National Institute Of Standards And Technology Grants
If you have a business that does work in the computing, science, technology, or engineering field, you may be eligible for a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST. This is a great niche field that if you qualify for, you have a great chance of earning a grant!
These are just a few of the opportunities you have to receive a state grant for small businesses. If you look hard enough, there will almost always be multiple opportunities for your small business to receive a grant. It can mean the difference between success, and shutting the doors. Take pride in your small business and start searching for state grants!
Youre 3x More Likely To Get Approved For A Business Credit Card With Matchfactor
Instantly see your top options for business loans and credit cards based on your business needs using Nav’s MatchFactor.
Libraries often work in conjunction with local Chambers of Commerce or business organizations already and may be able to connect you with experts who know the local lay of the land and help you find business grants specific to your community.
Florida Grants For Startup Businesses
Related
Starting a new business in Florida requires a significant amount of capital and, for most businesses, startup finance comes from investors, banks and other lenders. Some grant opportunities, though, provide business owners with a little help in launching a new business in Florida. Understanding the grants that you can receive will help you formulate a business plan that takes grant opportunities into consideration.
Recommended Reading: Colt 45 Automatic Government Model
Small Business Development Centers
Once youve exhausted your searches for grants from federal agencies, the next stop on your list should be local and state business grants. You may be able to hit paydirt and find some of these on your own, but theres a free, local resource that may help.
Small Business Development Centers are a business owners best friend. Local, regional, state, and national offices mentor small business owners and help them understand business financing options, craft marketing strategies, and connect to other local business owners .
One thing they can help with is navigating the grant process. Very few people have as much visibility as SBDC advisors do on the local business grant scene. Its the one appointment you cant afford not to make when searching for small business grants.
Are Federal Small Business Grants Better Than Small Business Loans
It depends. Small business grants and small business loans each have their place in small business financing. Your choice depends on:
- How quickly you need the funds
- Whether you are working on a single project or multiple projects
- Ability to repay the loan
In an ideal world, a small business would be fully self-funded and self-sustained. In fact, this is the recommendation for startup businesses. However, there may come a point at which additional funding is needed to facilitate business growth. The table below explains the pros and cons of small business grants from federal agencies and small business loans, so you can determine which funding option makes most sense for your business.
You May Like: Government Assistance Child Care Texas
Prospera Small Business Grants
Prospera has been helping Hispanic entrepreneurs start new businesses in Florida since 1991. This economic development organization is a nonprofit company that works with new and growing Hispanic businesses to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Prospera business grants are awarded on an individual basis, based on need, industry, and opportunity potential. Overall, Prospera grants typically cover business development services to help Hispanic startups establish their new businesses.
Funding Is Available In Many Different Forms:
Funding is available in many different forms: grants, loans, private venture capital organizations who fund programs, and non-profits who can assist many business owners with various resources. The problem in gaining access lies in the fact that their scope of assistance is very narrow, and you need to know how to fit in the tiny lens they are looking through. Their websites specifically state that this funding is only available to a very specialized and distinct audience, yet almost every government agency has grants available including:
Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, EPA, NASA , National Institute of Standards and Technology , National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation.
Admittedly, they disclose that this is “a competitive awards-based program”. This inbred system, known by few, is what led the President’s newly directed programs to concede that “too often, interactions with the government are burdensome and frustrating. From seeking out financing opportunities to learning about the latest regulations affecting them, hard-working businesses are spending too much time navigating the federal bureaucracy.”
Recommended Reading: Rsa Identity Governance And Lifecycle
Grants For Florida Entrepreneurs
Grant money is just as the name states it is free money awarded to qualifying small businesses for the sole purpose of helping them startup and survive. The key to business grants is that they do not have any repayment plan associated with them, unlike business loans, which do have to be paid back, usually with high interest rates. This takes a lot of the financial stress out of the small business owner and minimizes some of the risk that is the hallmark of entrepreneurship.
In addition, many grants are available for people who are trying to start up a new business. The State and even many private organizations do this to encourage economic growth in regional areas and also to encourage new people to pursue their dreams and create a local, small business that they can be proud of. If you want to operate in a specific field, there are even more grants available for startups, particularly in the fields of technology and scientific research.
In Reality There Are So Many Different Types Of Grants That Many Go Unused So Dont Just Sit There Lets Get To Work
The most important thing for you to do is to apply. We know the most frustrating part about all of it is the time that it takes to research the grants that fit you best, but that is why we are here to help you! We want to help you find the most suitable, helpful, and beneficial grant with the least amount of time and effort.
Also Check: Government Assistance For Pregnant Mothers Texas
Small Business Grants Specifically For Women
While grants offered by private companies and grants for startups are available to a broader range of business owners, there are also grants specifically for women-owned businesses. You can find resources and information at womens business centers, but here are two business grants for women to start with.
Tips For Best Small Business Grants In Florida
In searching for small business grants in Florida, there are some necessary things youll want to look out for. Its better to focus on these two key areas.
First, you should look out for Florida-specific grants set aside for small businesses. However, these grants could be state-wide, regional, or city-specific.
Secondly, youll want to look out for national or more widespread business grants. These are grants that might not be specific to your state. They will still be open to Florida small businesses. Our list below has some of the best state and national options. We also advise that you look into local small business grants in your area as well.
Nevertheless, in case youre not awarded a grant, remember you can always consider more local business financing options.
You May Like: Free Grant Money For Home Improvements Government
A Note Of Caution About Federal Small
The U.S. Small Business Administration does not give grants to start businesses. According to the SBA’s frequently asked question site :
“While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.”
For more information about federal grants, visit http://www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/grants/index.html.
References
Orange County Cares Small Business Grant
Update: On July 31, 2020, the Orange County Government announced an expansion of the Orange CARES Act program to include micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for home-based businesses with three or less employees. The County portal is reopening on August 10, 2020 at 8:00am to applications for the micro-grants. To review the eligibility criteria and documents, visit
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved a plan to provide COVID-19 relief and financial assistance for small businesses located within Orange County, Florida. Of the $243.1 million received by the county from the U.S. Treasury, $72.9 million will be allocated towards the Orange County CARES Small Business Grant program.
To provide assistance from a loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19, a one-time grant of $10,000 will be sent to qualifying businesses to cover employee wages, vendor bills, property rent, and other business expenses.
In order to qualify, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria as outlined by Orange County:
- Have a business license in Orange County.
- A brick and mortar business OR home business with three or more employees.
- Demonstrate ongoing business operations during the Orange County stay-at-home executive order.
- Must have no more than 25 employees.
- Business taxes are paid up-to-date.
- Expected to stay in business through December 31, 2020.
- Commit to following recommended COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Also Check: Government In America Ap Edition 17th Edition
Local And State Government Assistance Programs For Small Businesses Impacted By Covid
The worldwide COVID-19 outbreak is an evolving, uncertain situation. For small business owners, this is an especially challenging time. Fortunately, various local and state government agencies are announcing assistance programs for small businesses during the economic slowdown. For more information on federal government assistance programs, check out our COVID-19 resource hub.
Keep reading for a breakdown of the different programs at a local and state level. This article will be updated regularly, as more assistance programs are announced every day. The Chamber of Commerce has also put together a useful guide to small business aid available by state for more information.
If you are looking for more information on Paycheck Protection Program loans, check out our guides to PPP loan forgiveness and the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act.
Pinellas County Cares Small Business Grant
Update: The application portal for Pinellas CARES Small Business Grants has closed. On July 29, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved additional funding for the Pinellas CARES Local Business Grants. Details on the funding and application launch date will be released at
Up to $35 million in emergency relief funds have been allocated to support small businesses located in Pinellas County and impacted by COVID-19. The program offers a one-time $5,000 grant to assist businesses in retaining and paying employees, vendors, rent and other business expenses.
Qualifying small businesses must have a physical location in Pinellas County and 25 or fewer full-time employees, or equivalent part-time employees, including the owner. Publicly traded companies, home-based businesses, not-for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.
To qualify, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria as outlined by Pinellas County:
An online application portal is available, with all applications due by June 1, 2020. For more information, visit the Pinellas CARES Resource Page.
Also Check: Do Churches Get Government Funding
Florida Free Grants And Loans For Minority And Women Owned Businesses
Free grants along with loans and mentoring is offered to Florida. There is help for women and minority owned companies, veterans as well as startups or entrepreneurs. The goal is to help businesses that often lack access to capital get the financial support they need, whether it is a low or no-interest loan or a cash grant. Find lenders, grantors, and programs below.
Financial assistance, as well as other support can be offered by non-profits, the federal government or state of Florida, banks, charities, and other groups. Each of the loan, free grant, or business assistance programs listed below has committed to allocating some funds to women owned companies as well as Latino, Black, LGBTQ, Veteran, and other minority or disadvantaged groups as well as veterans in Florida. There is also business advice and help for immigrant run organizations.
While many of the small to mid sized resources are based in the cities of Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Palm Beach, and other major cities, there are programs available across the state. Not only may funds be offered, but all agencies also may offer separate counseling, marketing help and other free advice.
Good For: R& d Companies
The DoD offers grants to small businesses through the STTR program and a number of other initiatives, like the Defense Enterprise Science Initiative. The Office of Naval Research, the Air Force Office, and the U.S. Army Research Institute are all looking for research and development of technology that will help them reach their goals.
Don’t Miss: How To See Government Contracts
Business Grant Vs Business Loan: Whats The Difference
While both help you get money for your business, grants and business loans for small businesses are different beasts. The main difference between a grant and a loan is whether or not they require repayment. Loans require you to repay the money you borrow a grant does not. Grants can be awarded by government departments, trusts, or corporations and given to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, or non-profits.
Grants can be notoriously difficult to get, so if you apply for funding and are rejected, consider other financing, including business credit cards.
Here are other things to know about the differences between grants and loans.
Plan A Time For Grant Applications
In creating a new business, keeping to a schedule is important. We suggest scheduling time one a day or week to search for and apply to eligible grant opportunities.
Keep a list of all available opportunities and use each session to search for new small business grants in Florida. You can also make a list to apply for existing ones youve already researched.
Always research eligibility requirements extensively during this process. This is to ensure your company fits all of the grants criteria.
You May Like: Government Requirements For Electronic Medical Records
List Of Coronavirus Small Business Loan And Grant Programs
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – MARCH 16: A lone customer lingers over a coffee in a normally crowded cafe that … is transitioning to only servicing to go orders on March 16, 2020 in Brooklyn, New York.
Editors note: We are updating this story regularly as more federal, state and local program details become available. Last update: April 10, 2020.
Small businesses have been hit hard by mandatory closures and safety measures required to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Businesses have a growing number of resources and relief programs to turn to, including many new provisions included the stimulus package enacted by Congress. Many small businesses have so far encountered roadblocks getting federal assistance, but there are other sources of funding to consider, including grants and emergency loans from states, cities and community organizations.
Below is a list of federal, state and lender-specific support to pursue, which will be updated to include programs as theyre released and refined. Return to this page regularly.
Florida Small Business Grants
With more than $31,979.00 million dollars in grants and additional local government funding sources of $22,686.00 million dollars, the majority of the federal budget in government grants is put into the business sector every year as small businesses and large corporations are the foundation of the economic growth in Florida. There are 399,819 business establishments in the state of Florida, and they break down to the following:
Florida Business Sector Breakdown by Size:
- 274,647 registered businesses in Florida have 0 to 4 employees. People who work at home with sole proprietorship are included in this breakdown.
- 57,678 registered businesses in Florida have 5 to 9 employees.
- 32,043 registered businesses in Florida have 10-19 employees.
- 25,195 registered businesses in Florida have 20-99 employees.
- 5,899 registered businesses in Florida have 100 to 499 employees.
- Over 4,357 registered businesses in Florida have over 500 employees.
Florida Business Sector Breakdown in Service Industries:
- 68,559 registered businesses in Florida are in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector.
- 32,848 registered businesses in Florida are in the Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services sector.
- 35,110 registered businesses in Florida are in the Accommodation and Food Services sector.
- More than 43,848 registered businesses in Florida are also service orientated businesses but are not categorized to the above sectors.
You May Like: Government Jobs Bergen County Nj
Small Business Technology Transfer Program
The STTR program is similar to the SBIR but the emphasis is more on establishing public and private sector partnerships in research and development. This government grant for small businesses creates opportunities for small businesses to collaborate on joint ventures with the nations leading nonprofit organizations. The products produced are commercialized and some, or all, of the profits given to the small business. Like the SBIR program, any small business that receives the grant must complete three phases to receive the full grant award.
