Florida Business and Commerce grants for Small businesses

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Kissimmee facing economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them stay operational and support the local economy.

This grant provides financial assistance to Florida-based manufacturers and service providers looking to expand their export sales by facilitating meetings with qualified international buyers and agents.

This program provides financial assistance to business owners and developers for non-residential construction, expansions, and renovations in Cape Coral, Florida, to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

This program provides financial support to retail and recreational businesses in Downtown Orlando for tenant improvements and initial rental costs, aiming to revitalize the area and reduce vacant properties.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners and tenants in Wilton Manors for exterior renovations that improve the appearance and vitality of local businesses.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits focused on community development initiatives in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, particularly in the Northeast, Florida, and Texas.

This program provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized Florida companies to help them participate in international trade shows and expand their export sales.

This program provides a pitch competition and investor introductions for women and founders of color in the U.S. with scalable startups that have a minimum viable product and some customer traction, specifically targeting those outside major startup hubs.

This program provides financial assistance to small for-profit businesses in Boynton Beach to enhance their marketing efforts or support essential operational needs.

This program provides financial assistance to building and business owners in downtown Orlando for improving the appearance and structural integrity of their properties, particularly historic buildings, to boost economic investment and community development.

This funding opportunity helps Florida-based manufacturers and service providers create tailored Export Marketing Plans to identify and pursue international growth strategies.

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is actively seeking applications from organizations dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, rights, and justice. This grant program is deeply aligned with Borealis Philanthropy's broader mission to foster a more vibrant, just, and joyful world for people with disabilities. The fund's strategic priorities are rooted in intersectional cross-movements and collaborative efforts, supporting initiatives ranging from arts and culture to policy and advocacy that dismantle ableism and promote authentic representation of disabled people. The primary beneficiaries of DIF grants are organizations whose work is driven by and accountable to the disability justice movement, with a particular emphasis on those most impacted by injustice and exclusion. This includes disabled people with multiple and intersecting social and political identities, such as race, gender identity, class, and sexual orientation. The fund prioritizes organizations led by disabled people, specifically Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), queer, gender non-conforming, and women with disabilities, where over 50% of the leadership (management staff, advisory committees, or governing boards) identify as disabled. DIF's core focuses include promoting radical inclusion by removing barriers and ensuring access, valuing lived experience, and emphasizing the leadership of those most impacted. The program also fosters cross-movement solidarity, encouraging collaboration and bridge-building among disability justice activists and across various social movements like Black lives, climate change, immigration rights, labor rights, racial justice, and queer and trans liberation. This approach reflects a theory of change that believes systemic change occurs through interconnected movements and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Expected outcomes include strengthening grassroots disabled-led organizations, expanding their operational capacities for ongoing movement building, and driving narrative change that dismantles ableism in policy, society, and culture. Measurable results will stem from work that moves practices of disability inclusion and justice forward through community organizing, mutual aid, advocacy, and policy work, as well as strategies that celebrate and elevate the authentic representation of disabled people in arts, media, and literature. This two-year grant opportunity provides $75,000 per year, totaling $150,000, for eligible U.S.-based or U.S. territory-based 501(c)3 organizations or fiscally sponsored entities with an annual budget under $1 million.

The Florida Online Global-Website Localization Grant aims to help exporters expand their overseas presence through website localization services. The program, in partnership with IBT Online and SelectFlorida, offers various options for website globalization, including predefined and customized websites, website redesign, and e-commerce development, all optimized for target markets. Grants cover partial costs of localization services, with SelectFlorida covering up to $8,000 and the grantee responsible for $4,000 or the balance for customized services. Eligible entities must meet specific qualifications including being Florida-based, meeting minimum sales and employment criteria, and operating in approved sectors.

Hurricane Recovery Grants are available for homeowners, renters, and business owners in Daytona Beach, Florida. Eligible residents with moderate or low income can receive up to $9,000 for reimbursement of costs such as mortgage payments, rent assistance, insurance deductibles, mold remediation (for owner-occupied homes), and relocation assistance. Applicants must be Daytona Beach residents, qualify as a "qualifying household," and submit a formal insurance or FEMA claim related to Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole. The total amount of assistance shall not exceed $9,000 per household. Additionally, small businesses with 50 or fewer employees can receive up to $3,000 for reimbursement of business-related losses.

The City of West Park is offering a "Mom and Pop" Small Business Grant to support local businesses within its jurisdiction. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to qualified small businesses, fostering economic stability and growth within the community. The initiative aligns with the city's mission to support its local economy and preserve the unique character of its small business sector. The target beneficiaries for this grant are small businesses located exclusively within the City of West Park. This includes both brick-and-mortar establishments and home-based businesses, with specific provisions for the latter. The grant prioritizes businesses that are not part of national chains, have a gross income of $250,000 or less, and whose owners operate no more than two active businesses. Non-profit agencies are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The primary impact goals of this grant program are to sustain and strengthen the local small business ecosystem. By providing direct financial aid, the City of West Park aims to help these businesses with essential needs such as inventory, supplies, equipment, and marketing. This support is expected to prevent business closures, encourage local entrepreneurship, and contribute to the overall economic well-being of the city's residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined by its eligibility criteria. Emphasis is placed on truly independent local businesses that demonstrate a need for financial assistance and contribute to the local economy. The restriction on re-application for ten years for previous awardees ensures that the grant reaches a broader range of businesses over time. The inclusion of home-based businesses, with specific uses for the funds, demonstrates a commitment to supporting diverse small business models within the community. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local business community, increased retention of small businesses, and a stimulated local economy. By supporting businesses that might otherwise struggle, the City of West Park anticipates a positive ripple effect, leading to job retention and creation, and maintaining the vibrancy of its commercial districts. The program serves as a strategic tool for the city to directly invest in its local economy, reflecting a theory of change that small, targeted financial interventions can yield significant community-wide economic benefits.

Cox Communications, in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation, offers grants through Cox Charities to support nonprofit organizations in Arizona. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance communities by investing in key areas. Eligible organizations include Arizona 501(c)(3) entities, government agencies, and tribal entities, with religious organizations able to apply for non-sectarian programs. The program aims to foster positive community impact by supporting initiatives that address critical social needs within the state. The Cox Charities grant program targets beneficiaries across several key focus areas: Education, with a priority on K-12 and STEAM initiatives; Diversity, specifically programs serving 80% or more of a target population or promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity; Environment/Sustainability, focusing on water conservation, waste reduction, or carbon reduction; and Digital Equity, supporting digital literacy programs, computer distribution, or services for underserved communities. These priorities reflect the foundation's strategic focus on empowering individuals and communities through access to essential resources and opportunities. The expected outcomes of the Cox Charities grant program are centered on measurable results within these focus areas. For education, the goal is to improve educational attainment and skills, particularly in STEM fields. Diversity initiatives aim to foster more inclusive communities and reduce disparities. Environmental grants seek tangible improvements in sustainability practices, such as reduced water consumption or waste. Digital equity programs are expected to increase digital literacy and access, bridging the digital divide for underserved populations. The grant duration is not specified, but grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to supporting programs that directly address identified community needs and create lasting impact. By prioritizing specific areas like K-12 and STEAM education, targeted diversity programs, environmental sustainability, and digital literacy, Cox Charities aims to drive systemic change. They emphasize fiscal accountability and responsibility among applicants, and organizations must demonstrate a non-discrimination policy. Furthermore, providing opportunities for Cox Communications Arizona employees to volunteer or serve on boards highlights a belief in community engagement and shared responsibility for achieving these outcomes.

The Small Grant Initiative (SGI) by the Alachua County Commission aims to foster the development and growth of non-governmental, grassroots organizations and emerging small businesses within Alachua County. This program aligns with the commission's mission to support its residents, particularly those living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively. The primary beneficiaries of the SGI are Alachua County residents who are economically disadvantaged. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by addressing critical community needs in areas such as safe, affordable housing, adequate food, quality healthcare, and quality childcare and education. By supporting organizations focused on these areas, the initiative intends to improve the overall quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations within the county. The SGI prioritizes one-time capacity building or infrastructure improvements. This focus ensures that the funded projects create lasting changes that enhance the organizational effectiveness and service delivery of the grant recipients. The program is specifically interested in proposals that demonstrate a clear strategy for addressing one or more of the identified priority areas, with a maximum award limit of $15,000 for individual proposals. Expected outcomes include strengthened local organizations, improved access to essential services for low-income residents, and tangible advancements in housing, food security, healthcare, and education within Alachua County. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of individuals served by recipient organizations, improved quality or accessibility of services, and the successful completion of capacity-building projects or infrastructure upgrades. The grant period, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for the implementation and evaluation of these projects.

City of North Miami Beach Business Assistance Grant Program in Florida offers a one-time grant award of up to $5,000 to eligible for-profit business owners within the city. The funds are intended to cover specific expenses that help businesses stay operational and viable, particularly those that have suffered revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profit businesses are not eligible for this program.

This funding opportunity is designed for grassroots organizations and small businesses in Alachua County to implement programs that reduce gun violence by addressing related social issues and promoting positive community engagement.

This summer, small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the Board of County Commissioners. The Board is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding is for capital and equipment expenditures that will positively impact these operation’s income. The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. Only one application per farm or ranch is permitted. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. To reduce inequity in marginalized communities, this grant will also prioritize small farms and ranches owned by black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color. Applications must be in the County Manager’s Office by 5 PM June 28, 2024.​ Applicants will complete the application and submit it to Alachua County’s Office of Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Development Strategies. Applications may be submitted by email to [email protected]​