Florida small business grants and loans for 2026

9 Florida small business grants for 2026

Florida's state and local grant programs each serve a specific type of business. Start with the one built for yours.

1. Florida High Tech Corridor Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP)

Up to $150,000 in matching funds for technology companies that partner on applied research with the University of Central Florida or the University of South Florida. The program serves a 23-county corridor across Central Florida. If your product involves genuine R&D and a university researcher would strengthen it, this is the largest state-level award on this list.

2. SelectFlorida trade grants

SelectFlorida, the state's international trade organization that succeeded Enterprise Florida after its 2023 wind-down, offers trade-show grants of up to $7,500 and export marketing plan grants of $4,500 for export-ready businesses. These fit established companies with real sales looking to enter foreign markets, not startups.

3. Florida SBDC State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant

Up to $8,000 in export services per two-year funding period, or up to $15,000 when a comprehensive export marketing plan is included. The STEP grant reimburses export costs: international marketing, trade-show fees, export insurance, and translation. Administered through the Florida SBDC Network with SBA funding. You pay first and get reimbursed, so plan cash flow accordingly.

4. CareerSource Florida training grants

The Incumbent Worker Training grant reimburses 50% to 75% of pre-approved training costs, depending on current funding priorities, for existing full-time employees, and the Quick Response Training grant covers customized training for new hires. This isn't cash in hand: it's reimbursement for training you were likely paying for anyway, which is exactly why it's less competitive than cash grants. Apply through CareerSource Florida's online portal.

5. Prospera small business grants

Prospera pairs grants covering professional services, like legal reviews, business plans, and marketing development, with bilingual business consulting for Hispanic-owned businesses in Florida. The consulting is the quiet advantage: Prospera helps prepare the documents that make you competitive for every other program on this list.

6. Miami-Dade Mom and Pop Small Business Grant

Between $1,500 and $5,000 depending on your county commission district, for established small businesses in Miami-Dade County to cover equipment, inventory, advertising, insurance, or renovations. Each district runs its own application window; 2026 windows ran from February into July. Get your documents ready before your district's next window opens.

7. City of Tampa Microgrant Program

$1,500 for eligible businesses under a year old and $3,000 for businesses at least 12 months old, in underserved Tampa communities, with separate down-payment assistance of up to $15,000 for fresh-food businesses addressing food access. The 2026 cycle is active, with referrals due September 15, 2026.

8. City of Orlando Business Assistance Program (BAP)

A matching grant where the city covers 50% of eligible expenses up to $20,000, aimed at permitting fees, impact fees, and infrastructure costs. Apply and get approval before starting the work you want matched.

9. Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF)

Covers up to 75% of infrastructure project costs, and up to 100% for rural communities in fiscally constrained counties and Rural Areas of Opportunity: site preparation, roadways, and utility improvements that position rural communities for job-creating projects. Applications run through FloridaCommerce.

Eligibility requirements for grants in Florida

Eligibility in Florida is mostly about matching the program to your situation. Find yourself below and start there:

• If you're in a rural or fiscally constrained county: the Rural Infrastructure Fund and USDA rural programs are built for you, and urban city grants are off the table. Your county's designation, not your business type, is the deciding factor.
• If you're a woman or minority founder: Amber Grants, Prospera, and MBDA programs weigh who owns the business. Certification as a minority- or women-owned business also strengthens local applications. Our guide to funding options for women-owned businesses covers the national programs in depth.
• If you're a technology or research company: the High Tech Corridor program and federal SBIR/STTR awards require genuine R&D and, in the Corridor's case, a university partnership. Main-street businesses shouldn't spend hours here.
• If you're hiring or training staff: CareerSource programs reimburse training costs regardless of your industry, making them the most broadly accessible programs on this list.
• If you're an established local shop: city and county grants like Miami-Dade Mom and Pop and Tampa's Microgrant usually require one to two years in business and a physical location in the jurisdiction. Startups generally don't qualify: build a year of records first.

Across all programs, expect three constants: you must be located where the program operates, your funding purpose must match the program's goal, and matching-fund programs require you to bring your share. Your business also needs to be in good standing with the state, with proper licensing and current tax and payroll tax obligations. If a program requires a 50% match, confirm you can fund your half before applying, not after winning.

4 Federal small business grants

A filter before you dive in: most federal grant money funds research, rural development, or disaster recovery. If you run a main-street business in good times, federal cash grants mostly aren't aimed at you, and knowing that saves you hours on Grants.gov. Here's who each program actually fits.

1. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs

Phase I awards generally run from about $125,000 to $300,000, and Phase II awards can reach roughly $1.25 million to $2.15 million depending on the agency, for for-profit businesses doing federal research and development through agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Defense (DoD). Phase I proves feasibility; Phase II funds development. Search open solicitations at SBIR.gov.

2. USDA Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)

Funds training, infrastructure, and job creation for small businesses in rural towns of fewer than 50,000 residents. In Florida, that covers far more of the state than most owners assume, including much of the Panhandle and the agricultural interior. One catch: the grants go to local governments, tribes, and nonprofits that assist rural small businesses, so you access the benefit through those organizations rather than applying directly.

3. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) programs

The MBDA, part of the US Department of Commerce, funds business centers and programs supporting minority-owned business growth rather than writing checks to individual businesses. Its Miami business center helps with capital access and contract bidding. Federal restructuring has left some centers in flux, so confirm your nearest center's current status before planning around it.

4. SBA disaster assistance

After a declared disaster, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to affected businesses, with working capital loans of up to $2 million. In Florida this matters every hurricane season: know the program exists before you need it, and see the Bridge Loan section below for the state's companion program.

Additional grant resources for Florida business

Florida business owners have funding options beyond state and federal grants. Local governments, private foundations, and corporate programs also offer financial support for small businesses. Some key resources include:

• Local government grants: Many cities and counties in Florida provide grants for business development, infrastructure improvements, and economic revitalization projects. Check with your local economic development office or chamber of commerce to see what’s available in your area.
• Private foundation grants: Nonprofit organizations often fund businesses that align with their mission, such as sustainability, minority entrepreneurship, or community development. Organizations like the Knight Foundation and the Florida Philanthropic Network offer grant opportunities that could benefit your small business.
• Corporate and membership grants: Corporate grant programs turn over quickly, and lists online are full of dead ones. The FedEx Small Business Grant, still cited across the web, ended after its 2024 cycle. Currently worth watching: the Gusto Impact Awards, which package $10,000 in cash with advertising credits for small employers; the 2026 winners were announced in spring, so watch for the next cycle. The NASE Growth Grants offer up to $4,000 quarterly for members of the National Association for the Self-Employed, with waiting periods that vary by membership tier. In the Tampa Bay area, the Glazer Family Small Business Fund awards up to $5,000, with 2026 applications open through October 27. And Amber Grants by WomensNet award three $10,000 grants monthly and three $50,000 year-end grants to women-owned businesses, with a $15 application fee. Before spending time on any corporate grant, confirm the current cycle exists on the sponsor's own site.

How to get a business grant in Florida: Application process

Getting a small business grant in Florida takes time, effort, and attention to detail. Whether you’re applying for state, federal, private, or corporate grants, you’ll need to follow a structured process to improve your chances of getting funded. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you go through the application process:

Applying for Florida-sponsored grants

Follow these steps to apply for state-sponsored grants:

1. Explore Florida grant opportunities

Check the Florida Department of State Grants and your local economic development office for available grants. Each grant has different requirements, so take the time to see which ones your business qualifies for.

2. Register with MFMP

Many state grants require businesses to sign up with MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP), Florida’s online system for managing grants and state-funded programs. If you’re not registered yet, you’ll need to create an account before applying.

3. Complete pre-qualification requirements

Review the eligibility criteria for each grant to ensure your business qualifies before applying. State grants may require:

• Proof of business registration in Florida
• Financial statements and tax records
• Licensing and permits in good standing
• Compliance with state and federal regulations

4. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Each grant comes with a NOFO, which lays out details about who can apply, what the money can be used for, how to submit your application, deadlines, and required documents. Read this carefully to make sure you submit everything correctly.

5. Prepare and submit your application

Most Florida business grants are submitted online, but some may require mailing in paperwork. Include all required information and supporting documents, and follow formatting guidelines.

6. Attend grant trainings

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other local business organizations offer free workshops and training sessions to help you prepare grant applications. Consider attending them to help improve your chances of getting funded.

Applying for federal grants

1. Identify federal funding opportunities

Search for available grants on Grants.gov and specific federal agency websites. Review eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and application deadlines.

2. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to obtain a UEI, which is required for federal grants. Maintain an active SAM.gov registration to stay eligible.

3. Review the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Carefully read the FOA to understand grant objectives, requirements, and evaluation criteria. Note key deadlines and required documents.

4. Prepare the application package

Write a detailed project narrative explaining your goals, impact, and execution plan. Develop a comprehensive budget and justification for requested funding. Be sure to also gather supporting documents, such as letters of support, resumes, and compliance certifications.

5. Submit your application

Use the designated platform to submit your application. For federal grants, this is typically Grants.gov. Ensure all components are properly formatted and submitted before the deadline.

6. Follow up and await feedback

Monitor your application status through the submission portal. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarifications.

Applying for local, private, or corporate grants

1. Find grant opportunities

Check local government websites, private foundations, and corporate grant programs for available funding. Review eligibility and application requirements.

2. Prepare required documents

Gather business details, financial statements, and a strong proposal outlining your project, goals, and impact.

3. Submit your application

Follow the specific submission process for each grant, ensuring all required documents are included.

4. Monitor and follow up

Track your application status and respond to any follow-up requests for additional information.

Are there repayment requirements for small business grants in Florida?

Most Florida business grants don't have to be repaid, but there are exceptions to every rule. Before you begin the application process, check for any strings attached to the money, such as application or processing fees or strict rules for how the funds must be used.

Florida small business loans

Florida businesses are often able to secure business loans if they’re not eligible for any grants. You could walk into a branch of a large bank and fill out a business loan application, or you could borrow money from a funding source with less rigorous underwriting standards. There are many kinds of business loans available, so it pays to compare options before signing anything.

1. SBA 7(a) loan program

The SBA 7(a) loan program is the nation’s most popular small business loan program. It’s designed to help businesses cover everyday expenses, expand operations, or refinance debt. Since these loans are backed by the SBA, lenders are more willing to approve funding, even for businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans. Individual 7(a) loans go up to $5 million, and as of July 2026, the SBA allows borrowers to combine 7(a) and 504 financing up to a cumulative $10 million.

2. SBA 504 loan program

The SBA 504 program backs loans of up to $5 million, and up to $5.5 million for certain manufacturing and energy projects, taken out by businesses that want to make major capital investments in machinery or infrastructure. This program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to help businesses expand while keeping costs manageable.

3. Traditional bank loans

All of the large banks offer business loans, but they can sometimes be difficult to deal with. If your business is new or you do not have an established credit profile, a large bank may ask you to provide a cosigner or collateral if you apply for a loan.

4. Credit union loans

Credit union loans are a little easier to obtain than traditional bank loans. Credit unions were established to help people who have difficulty obtaining credit, so they tend to be a bit more flexible when they receive loan applications from business owners.

5. Commercial real estate loans

Residential mortgages are usually taken out for 15 or 30 years, but commercial real estate loans have to be paid back far more quickly. Commercial real estate lenders base their decisions on the amount of revenue a property will generate, which is why they typically lend to businesses that are constructing office buildings or shopping centers.

6. Equipment financing loans

You may not have to put any money down if you take out an equipment financing loan because the machinery you will purchase with the money will serve as collateral. Most major banks and credit unions offer equipment financing loans.

7. Line of credit loans

Lines of credit provide businesses with the working capital they need to meet their payroll obligations and fund their day-to-day operations. Even Fortune 500 companies with assets worth billions of dollars have lines of credit. When traditional lenders are unwilling to extend credit, a number of alternative financing options are available to business owners in Florida.

8. State-backed loan guarantee support

Florida participates in the federally funded State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) through FloridaCommerce, which strengthens loan access for small businesses that fall just short of conventional approval, including through the state's loan guarantee programs. If a bank has turned you down on collateral or credit history grounds, ask the lender directly whether an SSBCI-supported product could bridge the gap: many owners never hear about it because it operates through participating lenders, not applications from the public. Florida's older Microfinance Guarantee Program, which guaranteed up to 50% of loans between $50,000 and $250,000, remains on the books but hasn't been actively marketed since the state wound down Enterprise Florida in 2023; SSBCI is the active vehicle today.

9. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) loans

The CDFI program works with business owners who serve disadvantaged communities. The program has been running for more than 30 years, and it has helped hundreds of communities and thousands of small businesses.

10. Invoice factoring loans

Invoice factoring allows entrepreneurs to access money that is tied up in unpaid invoices. These loans are repaid when outstanding invoices are paid. If the outstanding invoice is not paid, the business owner will usually be expected to come up with the cash.

11. Merchant cash advances

This kind of lender advances money based on anticipated credit and debit card sales. If most of your customers pay with plastic, a merchant cash advance could be a convenient source of working capital.

Do you have to pay back loans in Florida as a small business?

Loans have to be repaid, but grants do not. Some business loans, like outstanding invoices and merchant advance loans, are repaid quickly, but most business loans have more conventional terms. Consult a financial advisor or accountant who can help you choose the best loan for your business and manage repayment effectively. You can also use our accounting software to compare loan packages and repayment terms.

Florida small business loan eligibility

The eligibility requirements of traditional and alternative business lenders are very different. Traditional lenders base their decisions on credit reports, down payments, and collateral, but alternative lenders tend to be more interested in things like outstanding invoices and monthly credit card sales. No matter which type of business loan you apply for, make sure to read all the fine print.

What can you use your Florida business loan for?

Some commercial loans are made for very specific purposes, while others provide business owners with working capital that they can spend as they wish. Loans that are used to purchase equipment or real estate usually have more attractive repayment terms because the assets being acquired serve as collateral. The interest rates on lines of credit and alternative loans tend to be higher, but they may still be affordable because they are paid off quickly.

What industries does Florida offer loans for?

Just about any business in Florida can apply for and obtain a loan of some sort. Grants are awarded to serve a greater purpose like redeveloping a disadvantaged area, but business loans are pure financial transactions. If the deal makes sense for the lender, the loan will be approved regardless of the type of business the applicant is engaged in.

Florida small business funding resources and support

There are several funding resources in Florida that provide loans and grants to businesses that have faced undue hardship or operate in difficult markets, including:

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, interest-free loans, typically up to $50,000 with a 12-month term, that keep businesses alive between a disaster and longer-term recovery funding. In a state where hurricane season is an annual operating reality, know this program before you need it: it only opens when the state activates it for a declared disaster, activation happens fast, and the businesses that apply early get funded while the money lasts. It's a loan, not a grant, so plan the repayment. Pair it with SBA disaster loans for the longer-term layer.

FloridaCommerce Office of Small Business Innovation

The Florida Commerce Office of Small Business Innovation supports entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing resources, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to help businesses innovate and grow.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program

Created in 1974 by the Housing and Community Development Act, the CDBG program is designed to develop underserved communities by providing affordable housing and creating opportunities. The individuals who receive these grants generally operate businesses that benefit low-income families.

Florida Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

The Florida SBDC provides free business consulting and financial guidance to small business owners. Whether you need help finding grants, applying for loans, or developing a financial plan, SBDC advisors can provide one-on-one support to help your business succeed.

Treat the SBDC as more than a directory listing. Its consultants review grant applications before you submit, tell you which programs are real and currently funded, and help build the financial statements every application on this page requires. The consulting is free, funded by the SBA and the state. If you do one thing after reading this guide, book that appointment: it's the highest-return hour in Florida small business funding.

Other ways to fund your small business in Florida

Traditional bank loans and state grants aren’t the only ways to finance your business. If you’re looking for alternative funding options, Florida entrepreneurs have access to a variety of creative ways to raise capital, including:

Alternative loans

Non-traditional financing options such as online lenders, peer-to-peer lending, or merchant cash advances, often with more flexible requirements than bank loans.

Angel investors

Established entrepreneurs (angel investors) who invest their personal money into startups, often at an early stage, in exchange for equity.

Bootstrapping

Using personal savings and revenues to fund business operations without external financing.

Contests

Competitions where businesses pitch ideas to win funding or resources.

Corporate programs

Initiatives by large companies offering funding, mentorship, or resources to small businesses.

Crowdfunding

Raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via online platforms.

Friends and family

Obtaining funds from personal networks to support business ventures.

Incubators

Organizations that support startups with resources, mentorship, and sometimes funding.

Microloans

Small, short-term loans from nonprofit lenders, government programs, or alternative lenders, often designed for startups and businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans.

Product presales

Selling products before they are produced to generate upfront capital.

Purchase order financing

Obtaining funding based on purchase orders to pay suppliers and fulfill customer orders.

Vendor financing

Suppliers provide goods or services with deferred payment terms to support business cash flow.

Venture capitalists

Professional firms that invest in startups with high growth potential in exchange for equity.

Disclaimer:

This content is for information purposes only and information provided should not be considered legal, accounting or tax advice or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. Intuit Inc. does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. Intuit Inc. cannot warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers should verify statements before relying on them.