Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Broward County, in a collaborative effort between the Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting local small businesses. The Small Business Micro-Grant Pilot Program is designed to provide crucial working capital to eligible small enterprises within the county through a one-time financial boost.
Supporting Local Businesses
The program will offer Micro-Grants of $2,500 each, to be distributed evenly across all commission districts on a first-come, first-served basis. These grants are intended to help small businesses cover costs essential to their operation and growth. To apply, businesses must submit their applications online along with all required documentation in full, as partial applications will not be accepted.
Applications for the program will open in May, with all the details available on the county’s Micro-Grant webpage. OESBD is set to facilitate a free virtual technical assistance session from 10-11 AM on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, to guide interested applicants through the process. Pre-registration for this session is mandatory and can be done via Eventbrite. Additionally, there will be an in-person assistance session available from 1-2 PM on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Governmental Center East, Room 302, located at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
Funding Usage and Eligibility
The micro-grants can be used for various business expenses, including inventory purchases, supplies, business equipment, commercial rent, and costs associated with publicity, marketing, and advertising. However, there are restrictions; expenses such as payroll, salaries, late payment fees, and taxes are not eligible for reimbursement under this program.
Check also: DeSantis orders flags at half-staff in Tallahassee on Monday
Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: “I am thrilled to support the Small Business Micro-Grant Pilot Program which will provide vital working capital to small businesses in our community,” she stated. “Our goal is to empower these businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, by offering a helping hand in the form of a one-time infusion of funds. We understand the importance of small businesses and are committed to fostering their growth and success in Broward County.”
Sandy-Michael E. McDonald, Director of OESBD, also highlighted the county’s commitment: “Broward County Commissioners have always been strong supporters of the small business community,” he said. “Our shared goal for the Small Business Micro-Grant Program is to provide some level of assistance for companies that can benefit by being reimbursed with a one-time dose of working capital. Every business is important to us because of the important role they play in the economic development of Broward County.”
For more detailed information about the Small Business Micro-Grant Pilot Program, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and technical assistance opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Micro-Grant webpage.
