Are you starting a business or an entrepreneur looking for grants for your Florida business? Fortunately, there are lots of options for business owners in the Sunshine State.
Grants can be used for various purposes. Funding entities often provide resources to attract business to the state and options for specific, highly desired needs or industries.
Grants can provide a significant boost to companies, especially in their earliest days. The grants can offset the need for financing or equity funding. They’re also a great business accelerator, helping companies to make significant leaps in hiring, technology, infrastructure and other growth factors.
Here is a close look at some of the top Florida grant programs for small businesses.
Florida state-specific grants for 2026
1. SelectFlorida Trade Grants (formerly Enterprise Florida)
The SelectFlorida Trade grants help companies with specific business tasks designed to help them begin exporting and expanding into new markets overseas.
There are four elements to the program:
- Export Marketing Plans. Works with manufacturers and service providers to create customized export marketing plans. Once the plan is created, businesses can apply for other grants under this program or to participate in an overseas trade mission
- Gold Key/Matchmaker. Designed as a market development initiative for new or infrequent exporters, the program connects businesses with pre-screened and pre-qualified agents, buyers, importers and representatives. Grant money covers some or all of the fees for a sales mission
- Target Sector Trade Show. Reimbursable grants assist small- and medium-sized businesses expand overseas export sales for manufacturers and professional services companies
- Online Global Website Localization. Helps businesses to create predefined and customized websites that help companies do business overseas. Works with companies to create a single website with a predefined scope, two websites or a fully customized website. Also helps with website redesign and e-commerce to grow sales, exports and brand
Eligibility requirements
- Be a Florida based and active with the state Division of Corporations
- Be in business for at least two years
- Be a licensed commercial operation with an office, office/warehouse or manufacturing site. Home-based and virtual businesses are ineligible
- Have between 3 and 500 full-time employees
- Have at least $250,000 in annual sales
- Be either a Florida-based manufacturer whose products are made in-state or a services provider in an approved industry sector or a manufacturer’s representative representing a Florida-based manufacturer whose products are made in the state
- Have products or services deemed viable in the target market
Companies can receive a maximum of three grants each year.
2. Florida Small Business Development Center Network Grants
The center provides grants to reimburse export businesses in the state for marketing plans, export credit insurance and expenses related to U.S. Commerce Department promotional events or trade shows.
There’s a maximum of $15,000 in reimbursements in each funding period. To be eligible, businesses need to be new to exporting or plan to use exporting to grow their business.
The center also provides free consulting services to help with business planning, marketing, financial analysis, management, international trade, cybersecurity, funding and disaster planning.
3. Florida High Tech Corridor Grants
This program is designed for technology companies. It provides funds of up to $150,000 for research and development in one of 23 Florida counties.
These grants also connect businesses with researchers at either the University of Central Florida or the University of South Florida.
The businesses and university researchers collaborate to develop a project plan and budget while program administrators advise on eligibility and compliance requirements.
Applications are reviewed by an external committee comprising regional stakeholders and economic development experts. Once approved, the applicant enters into a sponsored research agreement and creates a project plan and terms.
4. Florida State Small Business Credit Initiative
This initiative, operated by the state’s commerce department, has five programs designed to assist small businesses. It’s designed to help companies that may otherwise not have access to capital that could help them grow their businesses. In particular, it’s designed to focus on very small businesses or those that are owned by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals.
Eligible businesses need to be based in the state and have 500 or fewer employees. Funds can be used for equipment, franchise fees, inventory, franchise fees, start-up costs and business procurement. They also can be used for buying, building, renovating or improving a place of business.
5. Prospera Small Business Grants
Grants provided by Prospera, a nonprofit agency, help Hispanic-owned startup companies and existing small businesses. Prospera specializes in economic development; its grants are based on future potential, industry and need. It provides an array of professional business development services, including:
- Accounting
- Branding
- Business plan creation
- Legal assessment
- Marketing and sales plan development
- QuickBooks consulting
Businesses can sign up for a free strategy session to learn more about the program offerings.
6. CareerSource Florida Training Grants
CareerSource Florida administers two state-funded training grant programs that are among the most widely used small business grants in the state. Both programs are flexible, customizable, and available to Florida businesses of all sizes on a rolling basis.
The Quick Response Training (QRT) Grant supports new and expanding businesses by reimbursing costs for customized training of net new hires. The program is specifically designed for businesses in Florida’s targeted high-skill industries, those that produce exportable goods or services and offer wages at 125% or more of the state or local average. $7.5 million has been allocated for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, with priority given to first-time applicants.
The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Grant helps existing Florida businesses address skills gaps in their current workforce by reimbursing up to 75% of pre-approved training costs for current full-time employees. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees receive priority consideration.
Both programs are administered through CareerSource Florida’s network of regional offices and accept applications on a rolling basis. To apply, visit careersourceflorida.com or contact your local CareerSource Florida regional office.
Local grant programs
Several Florida grant programs are available for businesses located in certain cities.
1. North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency Grants
The North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency is an independent government entity that administers multiple grant programs. The agency offers programs designed to augment the business climate in the city, with grants for:
- Attracting business
- Beautification and enhancement
- Rehabilitation
- Capacity building and retention
- Affordable workforce housing
- Transportation and transit-oriented business
- Infrastructure improvements
- Public private partnerships
Some grants target specific neighborhoods in North Miami.
Criteria vary based on the grant program and maximum amounts range from $7,500 to $150,000. Businesses must be located within or moving within the North Miami geographical boundaries and projects must have benefits for the community. Several programs – the Business Attraction Grant and Rehabilitation Grant – require a 50 percent match by the company.
2. Miami-Dade Mom and Pop Small Business Grant
The Miami-Dade County Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program is one of the most accessible local grant programs in Florida, providing annual funding to small, independently owned and operated businesses across Miami-Dade County. Grants range from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the commission district, and funds can be used for a wide range of business needs including equipment, supplies, inventory, advertising and marketing, building liability insurance, security systems, and minor renovations.
The program runs annually through each of Miami-Dade’s 13 county commission districts, with each district managing its own application window, typically opening between February and May each year. Home-based businesses are eligible to apply.
To be eligible, your business must be a for-profit, independently owned operation located within Miami-Dade County and registered as an active entity with the Florida Division of Corporations. Your business must hold a current Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Receipt and must not be affiliated with a national chain or franchise.
Applications are submitted through your specific district’s commissioner office. To find your district and check whether applications are currently open, visit their website.
3. City of Tampa Microgrant Program
The City of Tampa launched its Microgrant Program in 2026 to provide direct financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities across the city. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 to eligible small business owners and is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Two tiers of funding are available. Entrepreneur Grants are for businesses with one to five employees including the owner. A separate Fresh Food Initiative track offers up to 20% of a business loan (maximum $15,000) for businesses that improve access to fresh food in Tampa neighborhoods.
To be eligible, business owners must have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), approximately $83,000 for a family of four, and businesses must be located within the City of Tampa. The program is particularly focused on microenterprises and businesses in low-to-moderate income communities.
Visit their website to learn more and apply.
4. Glazer Family Small Business Fund
The Glazer Family Small Business Fund is a Tampa Bay area grant program run in partnership with the North Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation and seven other regional chambers across Tampa Bay and West Central Florida. The fund is backed by the Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and is designed to provide relief and growth funding to small businesses across the Tampa Bay region.
The program is administered through regional chambers of commerce, which evaluate and distribute grant awards to selected businesses. Grant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis and vary by round. The program runs annually, with the 2026 cycle currently active.
Federal grants programs
Businesses in Florida can apply for multiple federal grant programs designed to encourage business growth.
1. WomensNet Grants
There are multiple opportunities under this program, including the Amber Grants, which provide awards of $10,000 and $1,000 monthly and a year-end $25,000 grant. There’s also a quarterly $10,000 Startup Grant, monthly business category grants and marketing planning grants.
Businesses must be at least 50 percent women-owned. There is one application for all the grant programs.
2. America’s Seed Fund
This fund, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Small Business Technology Transfer program, is designed to support small businesses in the technology sector, The focus is work to develop technology and foster commercialization. Businesses must be U.S.-based, for-profit and have fewer than 500 employees. Awards range from $50,000 to $2 million.
3. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Grant
An NASE Growth Grant provides startups and small businesses with up to $4,000. Companies must be members of the organization for at least 90 days and show a financial need, illustrate how the grant monies will be used and share a copy of their business plan.
Commercial Grants and Contests
Several businesses sponsor programs designed to encourage small businesses.
1. FedEx Small Business Grant (CLOSED)
The shipping company hosted a competition annually for small businesses. One grand prize winner earned $50,000 while nine other winners received $20,000 each.
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest ran from 2012 through 2024 and is no longer accepting applications. We recommend checking the FedEx Small Business resources page for any future programs or new grant opportunities they may announce.
2. Barclays Small Business Big Wins (CLOSED)
This contest provided prizes ranging from $5,000 to $60,000. Companies must have been in business for at least a year and write an essay sharing their story.
The Barclays Small Business Big Wins promotion ran annually from 2021 through 2024 and has not announced a 2025 or 2026 round. Check Barclays’ small business webpage for any future programs they may announce.
3. Gusto Impact Awards
The Gusto Impact Awards has expanded significantly since the Orlando-focused pilot. The program now runs nationally across five U.S. regions, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West, making it accessible to small businesses across all of Florida, not just Orlando. Each year, five regional grand prize winners are selected. Each winner receives a $10,000 cash grant, a $40,000 local advertising package designed and placed by Gusto, and a full year of free Gusto payroll services, a total prize package worth $50,000. In addition, 150 runner-up businesses nationwide each receive a $500 Visa gift card.
To be eligible, your business must be a U.S.-based for-profit with no more than 75 employees, less than $7 million in annual revenue, and must have been registered and operating for at least 12 months prior to entry. No purchase is required. Applications are submitted through gusto.com and consist of a written entry describing your business’s community impact. The program typically opens in the fall each year, visit the grant website for the next application window.
Conclusion
Now that you got some ideas on your possibilities, choose the ones that can be the best fit for you and start working on your applications for the grants you want. Hopefully you will get a business grant, and whether you’re starting a business in Florida, or expanding on what you have, you will achieve your goals.