Regional Rural Development Grant

The FloridaCommerce Regional Rural Development Grant program was established under Section 288.018 of the Florida Statutes to encourage economic advancement and leadership development within rural communities in Florida. The program is administered by FloridaCommerce, a state agency dedicated to supporting economic growth, workforce development, and community services across Florida. This grant aims to help rural regions maximize their limited resources by incentivizing collaboration among contiguous rural counties. It supports the creation and implementation of long-term economic and tourism development strategies designed to attract new businesses, expand existing enterprises, and build the leadership capacities of rural decision-makers. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity must be organizations composed of at least two contiguous rural counties that agree to jointly establish an economic or tourism development office. These organizations should demonstrate a commitment to cooperatively developing, promoting, and implementing sound economic strategies to enhance the quality of life for the residents they serve. It is important to note that consultants are explicitly ineligible to apply for this grant. The funding scope allows eligible organizations to receive up to $50,000, or up to $250,000 if the applicant represents two or more rural counties and is recommended by the Rural Economic Development Initiative and designated by the Governor. Regardless of the funding tier, the grant requires a non-state resource match equal to 25 percent of the state’s contribution. This match may be satisfied through cash or documented in-kind support from the organization or its partners. Awarded funds may be used for activities specified in the applicant's strategic plan, and organizations lacking a current plan must allocate part of the award to create or update one. Applicants must provide a current organizational strategic plan, letters of support and documentation of financial or in-kind contributions from all listed partners, and a complete organizational budget. Applications must be submitted both electronically to Cristin Beshears at Cristin.Beshears@Commerce.fl.gov and in hard copy to the Bureau of Small Cities and Rural Communities at the Tallahassee address provided. Upon receipt, FloridaCommerce will review and verify applications within ten days, notifying applicants of any deficiencies. There are no set deadlines for this program. Grants are awarded on a continuous basis until all funds are exhausted, allowing applicants to submit proposals at any time as long as funds remain available. Applicants are encouraged to contact Cristin Beshears at (850) 717-8486 for questions or to request an application. This process ensures that rural communities have ongoing opportunities to seek support for projects that foster sustainable regional economic growth and community development. The program’s requirements and objectives are designed to ensure that awarded grants align with the broader mission of supporting rural economic development, increasing business opportunities, and strengthening local leadership. By supporting collaborative efforts among rural counties, the Regional Rural Development Grant program fosters an environment conducive to regional economic transformation and leadership growth.