The 5 Best Small Business Grants in Florida

Small business grants are highly sought after seed money that can help you fund a startup or existing business. Because only a limited number of grants are awarded each year, competition for grants is fierce and a very small percentage of those who apply get money. That said, numerous programs exist for Floridians -- or those who would like to move to the Sunshine State -- which could narrow the playing field considerably. Below are five small business grants for Florida entrepreneurs to consider.

1. Mom & Pop Small Business Grant

What it is: Funding for small businesses in the Miami-Dade area to help purchase equipment and supplies, cover advertising and marketing costs, renovate buildings, pay for liability insurance, and get security systems installed.

How much grant money can you get: The money you receive might depend on which district your business is in. For example, currently District 5 applicants can apply for up to $5,000.

Who's eligible: You must verify that your business is located in the district for which you're applying. If it's District 5, for instance, then your business must have a District 5 address. Other requirements will apply (such as a minimum number of employees and years of business operation), so read your district's eligibility rules carefully.

Deadline to apply: The application for District 5 is May 26. Check the Mom & Pop website frequently to see if your district's application process has started.

2. Florida High Tech Corridor

What it is: The Florida High Tech Corridor's Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP) fosters applied research between companies (industry partners), and faculty and student researchers at the University of Central Florida and University of South Florida. Grants directly fund the work of expert faculty, create an opportunity for their students, and provide a cost-effective way for companies to leverage their investment.

How much grant money can you get: A match up to $150,000.

Who's eligible: Industry partners whose projects align with the University of Central Florida and University of South Florida.

Deadline to apply: No deadline. To learn how to apply, visit the Corridor's application page.

3. Enterprise Florida Trade Grants

What it is: Grant money to help your business export for the first time or establish an overseas market.

How much grant money can you get: Amount varies by grant program. Check out the full list on Enterprise Florida's webpage.

Who's eligible: Your business must be registered in Florida, have at least three full-time employees (but no more than 500), earn at least $250,000 in annual sales, and have operated for at least two years. You must also have a licensed commercial operation and have a viable product in an eligible industry.

Deadline to apply: No deadline to apply.

4. Microgrants for Technology or Equipment

What it is: A grant for minority-owned businesses or nonprofits to help purchase technology (such as laptops, cameras, and software) or business equipment (such as tools and cleaning equipment).

How much grant money you can get: $100 to $20,000.

Who's eligible: Minority-owned small business owners or nonprofits in Miami-Dade that earn less than $1 million in annual revenue, have been in operation for at least two years, and are in good financial standing. You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Deadline to apply: May 31, 2023 (there will be another round in 2024). You can start the pre-application process here.

5. Orlando Business Assistance Program

What it is: A matching program that will help cover the costs of relocating, expanding, or developing your business in Orlando.

How much grant money can you get: The City of Orlando will match 50% of your relocating costs up to $20,000.

Who's eligible: Your business must be located within the city limits of Orlando and has to be a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Deadline to apply: No deadline. Applications are open year round.

Where else can you apply for small business grants?

You can find grant money on both Grant.gov and the U.S. Small Business Administration's website. A few other popular programs include FedEx Small Business Grants, Amber Grants (for entrepreneurial women), and growth grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). And don't forget to check the grant programs mentioned above frequently -- even if the deadline has passed, most renew annually and you might be eligible next year.