Florida Business and Commerce Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitat in southeastern United States and Texas. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The priorities of the Southeast Aquatics Fund are informed by the aquatic goals and strategies of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, which was adopted by the NFWF Board of Directors in 2018 (updated 2023). To the extent possible, proposals should describe how activities will advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and/or other relevant conservation plans. The plan seeks to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity found across the southeast. It prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints. It utilizes a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitat in prioritized watersheds. Because of the priority given to this subregion, funding is available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Priority will be given to projects that would benefit the following focal species: Conasauga River – Endemic and Native Fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter). Middle Coosa – Trispot darter Funding Information Approximately $8.45 million is available in grant funding in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the overall scale and duration of the project. Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24–36 months following finalization of a grant agreement.  Geographic Scope Grants will be made in specific geographies or river basins in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and Texas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must comply with or be exempted from federal single audit requirements. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit NFWF.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support projects that enhance community capacity, economic opportunity, education, and overall community well-being.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

The Little Haiti Revitalization Trust is launching the Small Business Grant Program to support economic growth and revitalization in Little Haiti, Miami. The Trust will oversee and facilitate the city's revitalization efforts in line with the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The program aims to stimulate employment, business growth, and investment within the Little Haiti boundaries. Eligible businesses can receive up to $20,000 for commercial improvements or $10,000 for innovation improvements, with a match option available. Funding can be used for various commercial improvements such as lighting, roofing, signage, ADA compliance, landscaping, and more. To qualify for funding, businesses must meet specific criteria including registration with the State of Florida before January 1, 2021; possession of a City of Miami-issued Certificate of Use; current status with Business Tax Receipt payments; operation within Little Haiti boundaries; and compliance with financial obligations to the City of Miami. Preference will be given to businesses that align best with the grant program's objectives, legacy businesses operating for 7 or more years within Little Haiti boundaries, and those located in the downtown corridor on NE 2nd Ave between 54th – 71st street within Little Haiti boundaries. For more information and application details, visit Little Haiti Revitalization Trust website.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Gulf South to promote affordable housing and community resilience in underserved areas through initiatives like first-time homebuyer assistance and home rehabilitation.

This grant provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations in Flagler County that create arts and cultural programs or events, fostering community enrichment and engagement.

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 qualified businesses located in the City. Donor Name: City of West Park State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria  All businesses must meet the following criteria in order to qualify: All applying businesses must be located within the City of West Park Any business that was awarded through the “Mom and Pop” Small Business Grant shall not be eligible to re-apply for funding for a period of ten (10) years from the date of the award; Business owner shall provide a photocopy of your active State of Florida Corporation and/or Fictitious Name; a FEIN # must be listed on your State of Florida Business cannot be a part of a national chain; Business owner may not have no more than two (2) active businesses; Home-based businesses may apply (ONLY for inventory/supplies, business equipment and marketing/advertising). A business owner can only submit one application per funding cycle. Non-profit agencies are not eligible. The gross income for eligibility must be $250,000.00 or less. For more information, visit City of West Park.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit visual, music, and performing arts organizations in Broward County, Florida, enabling them to deliver high-quality cultural programs and arts education for K-12 students.

The HealthTech Accelerator is a 90-day tech business accelerator exclusively for pre-Series A HealthTech startups focused on Digital Health, Healthcare Services, Health Sustainability and Wellness, Medical Devices and Equipment, Software, Femtech, Augumented Reality, Virtual Reality, PharmacyTech, Wearables and Quantified Self, etc. Donor Name: Tampa Bay Wave State: Florida City: Tampa Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: HealthTech|X is the latest startup focused business accelerator launched by Tampa Bay Wave, a nationally-recognized nonprofit, in partnership with the University of South Florida Research & Innovation, The Florida High Tech Corridor, U.S. Economic Development Corporation and more. Other Wave partnerships include Accenture, hospitals and health systems, healthcare specific VC funds, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Raymond James, and more. Selected companies are not required to relocate for the duration of the program but must plan for on-site participation in Tampa, FL during each of the three blocks of programming.  Criteria for Consideration Business built with proprietary technology creating the next-generation of health technology products & solutions Dedicated management of at least two full-time people Ability to travel to Tampa at least 3 times during the 90-day program Proof of market validation Investable and/or scalable business Viable business plan Financial runaway of at least 6-12 months. For more information, visit Tampa Bay Wave.

The Alachua County Commission is seeking proposals from non-governmental, grassroots organizations and emerging small businesses, defined as those with 25 or fewer permanent, full-time employees and have a net worth not exceeding $1 million. Donor Name: Alachua County State: Florida County: Alachua County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Small Grant Initiative (SGI) is to support the development and growth of organizations that exist to benefit Alachua County residents living at or below 150% federal poverty level. These funds are intended for one-time capacity building or infrastructure improvements that impact one of the following priority areas: safe, affordable housing, adequate food, quality healthcare, or quality childcare and education. Funding Information The maximum award limit for an individual proposal is $15,000. Project Period The grant period is from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. For more information, visit Alachua County Commission.

The City of Port St. Lucie, in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, launched the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program to support eligible businesses financially affected by the pandemic. Donor Name: City of Port St. Lucie State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Port St. Lucie COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program is designed for low- to moderate-income Census tract areas or individual business owner(s) whose household income qualifies as low or moderate income. Applications from small businesses that have not received prior COVID-19 relief funding will be prioritized.  The City had a total of $390,000 available to expend on grants of up to $10,000 per approved applicant. As of mid-March, 23 applicants had been approved for grants, leaving a total of approximately $165,000 remaining. Eligible small businesses may receive up to $10,000 in the form of a reimbursement grant, which can be used for business-related expenses, including mortgage, rent, utility, insurance premium costs, reopening costs, costs for safety measures and payroll during a business closure. The City received funds for the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program from FloridaCommerce through its Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program. Eligibility Criteria  To apply, applicants must: Have between 0-50 employees. Have been in operation before the COVID-19 pandemic or before March 1, 2020. Be located within a qualified low- to moderate-income Census Tract (QCT) or the owner of the business must qualify as a low- to moderate-income household within the City. Be current on their federal, state, county and city taxes. Have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Be registered with the Florida Division of Corporations. For more information, visit City of Port St. Lucie.

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 grant provides funding to support projects that enhance public spaces and engage the community in transforming Downtown Clearwater into a vibrant and creative destination.

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.

The City of Orlando is offering a matching grant program, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for schools and non-profit organizations to fund youth programs that enhance academic achievement, reduce crime, and promote safe communities, with funds being used for educational, athletic, civic engagement, or mentoring opportunities, excluding certain expenses like computers, office equipment, and in-school programs.

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]​

City of Margate Property Improvement Grant Program (Florida) provides a 50% reimbursement grant of up to $50,000 for commercial or multi-family properties and common areas, as well as building exteriors owned by condominium or homeowner associations. The program also offers 50% reimbursement up to $10,000 for improvements to single-family properties or multi-family homesteaded properties. Eligible improvements include exterior painting, landscaping, impact-resistant improvements, roofing, structural repair, and more. The goal is to encourage property and business owners to enhance their properties, thereby improving the area's visual quality and increasing property values in Margate. For more information, visit the Property Improvement Grant Program website.

The Miami Downtown Development Authority has launched the 2024-2025 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grants. Donor Name: Miami Downtown Development Authority State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program is designed to support projects/events in FY2024-2025 that take place in Downtown Miami. The DCCG program will include innovative projects/events that should have a demonstrable economic impact in Downtown Miami while also strengthening its appeal as a global destination.  Funding Priorities Outdoor Venue – activating public spaces, green spaces, and unique open-air venues, for example, a rooftop, Miami Worldcenter, or city park that promotes Downtown Miami’s outdoor options. Community Building Opportunities – events/programs that promote and connect the Downtown community and attracts tourism.  Family Programming – events/activations that promote and provide programming suitable for the entire family to enjoy at an affordable ticket price point. Content that features the communities, history &/or natural resources in Miami-Dade is encouraged.  Programming Featuring Miami as a Global City – promotes Downtown Miami as an international and diverse cultural center, a culinary destination, and an innovation hub. Cultural and Historic Education – featuring Downtown’s historic story &/or buildings. Content highlights Downtown’s thriving art, culture, and entertainment community Public Transportation Awareness – build ridership and awareness of Downtown Miami’s multimodal transportation options through the event location and/or event marketing of Downtown’s diverse transportation options. Free or Discounted Projects/Events – Cost of admission/affordability is considered for grant funding. Free or discounted admissions for area residents, families, and students will receive funding priority. This must be clearly and visibly stated in marketing and promotional material when applicable.  Funding Information  Grant awards can range from $5,000.00 up to $50,000.00. The project/event’s activation must take place during the grant fiscal year (Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025).  Eligibility Criteria  The Miami DDA values organizations producing and implementing multiple activations Downtown. For an application to be considered, it must meet the following requirements:   The applicant must have a reputation of professional and personal excellence and conduct. *All felonies &/or misdemeanors must be disclosed on the application. The applicant must submit documentation of having produced the activation in the past or a similar program. If this is the applicant’s first public activation, a comprehensive and detailed business plan needs to be submitted.  The applicant must provide a confirmation letter or a letter of intent from the event venue confirming dates and times for the activation. Timelines for the activation must include all stages of the project/event including pre-marketing, live event, and wrap-up/post-event.  If the project/event requires permitting from the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, or approval from Bayfront Park, you are required to provide a copy of either the submitted permit application or an approved permit with your application. The applicant organization must be an active corporation in good standing as a “for profit” or “not-for-profit.” Visit Sunbiz to check your business status. The applicant must provide proof of funding commitments from other sources. The Miami DDA’s DCCG cannot be the only funding source for your project/event.  For more information, visit Miami DDA.