Small Business Grants in Florida
Florida offers more than 10 active state grant and incentive programs for small businesses, administered primarily through FloridaCommerce (the Florida Department of Commerce).
In This Article
Which Florida grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Florida Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Florida small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
Florida Job Growth Grant Fund
FloridaCommerce
Up to $500,000 per project
Deadline Jul 1, 2026An economic development program that funds public infrastructure improvements and workforce training projects across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and selected by the Governor, with $50 million budgeted for FY 2026-2026.
Status check, The program's statutory authority under Florida Statutes 288.101(2) expired July 1, 2026. No current open application window exists. The program is not directly available to small businesses and no new legislation extending it has been found.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
CareerSource Florida Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Grant
CareerSource Florida
Reimburses up to 75% of training costs
RollingProvides reimbursement grants to existing for-profit Florida businesses for continuing education and training of current employees. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees receive priority consideration.
Status check, Page confirms Incumbent Worker Training grant for small businesses reimburses up to 75% of training costs. Application process described as online and quick. No specific deadline stated, appears to be ongoing rolling basis.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
SelectFlorida Trade Grants
SelectFlorida Inc.
$4,500-$7,500 per grant
Rolling (July 1 - June 30 cycle)Offers multiple reimbursable trade grants to help Florida businesses expand into international markets, including matchmaker grants, export marketing plan grants ($4,500), and trade show grants (up to $7,500). Qualified companies can receive up to three grants per year.
Status check, The program is active with no fixed closing date. SelectFlorida describes grants as available to qualified Florida companies on a rolling basis within a July 1 to June 30 program year, with no paused or discontinued status found.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Quick Response Training (QRT) Grant
CareerSource Florida
Varies by project scope
RollingProvides customized training grants for new or expanding businesses in Florida to help pay for training new employees. Priority is given to businesses in targeted industries and distressed urban or rural areas.
Status check, Quick Response Training grant for new and expanding businesses in Florida is available. Page states online application process is easy to complete and approval is quick. No specific deadline mentioned, consistent with rolling basis.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 11, 2026
Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF)
FloridaCommerce
$75,000-$300,000 (feasibility); up to 75%-100% of project costs
Deadline Jul 13, 2026Supports infrastructure projects in rural communities to drive job creation and capital investment. The FY 2026-2026 budget includes $22 million, with $17 million available statewide and $5 million for Panhandle counties.
Status check, FY 2026-2027 application cycle opened June 12, 2026 and closes July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Total of $27 million available.
Last verified, Jul 13, 2026
Florida High Tech Corridor Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP)
Florida High Tech Corridor
Up to $150,000
RollingFunds collaborative applied research projects between industry partners and faculty researchers at the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. Grant funds are matched dollar-for-dollar with the company's project investment.
Status check, Program is currently accepting proposals on a rolling basis. Industry partners collaborate with UCF or USF faculty to submit applications. Up to $150,000 matching grants available for research projects in the 23-county Corridor region.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Florida SBDC STEP Grant Program
Florida SBDC Network
Up to $15,000 per funding period
RollingThrough the SBA's State Trade Expansion Program, eligible businesses can receive reimbursement for trade show fees, export travel expenses, translation services, and export marketing plan development.
Status check, The Florida SBDC STEP Grant page is open for applications with no posted hard deadline for small businesses. The current funding period runs October 2024 through September 2026, and no closure or pause is indicated.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0
FloridaCommerce / Florida Opportunity Fund
Varies (loans and venture investments)
RollingA federally funded initiative that provides capital access through loan participations, loan guarantees, and venture capital programs. Florida has been allocated $488 million total, with over $202 million already distributed to small businesses since January 2023. Note: this is primarily a lending/investment program, not a traditional grant.
Status check, Florida SSBCI 2.0 is active with no published deadline. Multiple sources describe it as ongoing and rolling, with businesses applying through participating lenders and CDFIs. No pauses or closures reported.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 9, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Florida grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Florida grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Florida.
Rural Business Grants
Florida offers strong support for businesses in designated rural communities, including $22 million through the Rural Infrastructure Fund for FY 2026-2026. Businesses in Rural Areas of Opportunity may qualify for grants covering up to 100% of infrastructure project costs.
- ›Rural Infrastructure Fund
- ›FloridaCommerce
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Tech companies in Florida's 23-county High Tech Corridor region can access matching research grants of up to $150,000 through the MGRP. The FL FAST initiative also provides free support for companies pursuing federal SBIR/STTR awards.
- ›Florida High Tech Corridor Matching Grants Research Program
- ›FL FAST Initiative
Women-owned Business Grants
Women-owned businesses in Florida can access no-cost consulting through the Florida SBDC Network and are given emphasis in the FL FAST SBIR/STTR support program. Certification as a women-owned business can improve access to government contracting and certain grant programs.
- ›Florida SBDC Network
- ›FL FAST Initiative
Minority-owned Business Grants
Minority-owned businesses in Florida are prioritized under the SSBCI 2.0 program, which allocates dedicated funding for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Prospera, a nonprofit, also provides grants and business development services to Hispanic-owned businesses.
- ›SSBCI 2.0
- ›Prospera
- ›MBDA Programs
Veteran-owned Business Grants
Veteran-owned businesses in Florida can access the SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development resources and benefit from CareerSource Florida workforce training grants. Local programs and organizations frequently include veteran business owners as a priority demographic.
- ›SBA Office of Veterans Business Development
- ›CareerSource Florida
Tips for Applying in Florida
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business as an active entity with the Florida Division of Corporations at Sunbiz.org before applying to any state program.
- 2Contact your local Florida SBDC office for free, confidential consulting on grant applications and business plan preparation. The network has more than 40 offices statewide.
- 3For CareerSource training grants, obtain a Tax Clearance Letter from the Florida Department of Revenue, as it is a required application document.
- 4If pursuing SelectFlorida Trade Grants, ensure your business has been operating in Florida for at least two years with at least $250,000 in annual sales and three or more full-time employees.
- 5Submit applications well before deadlines and monitor FloridaJobs.org regularly, as many programs operate on a rolling basis with funds awarded until budgets are exhausted.
State Economic Development Agency
FloridaCommerce (Florida Department of Commerce)
FloridaCommerce promotes economic opportunities for Floridians by administering workforce development, community development, and economic incentive programs for small businesses statewide.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Florida can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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