Broward County's Small Business Micro-Grant Pilot Program
Program Overview
The Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) administers a Small Business Micro-Grant Pilot Program to provide working capital for small businesses located within Broward County. The pilot program is intended to assist the smallest of Broward businesses that need financial assistance. The application process is online and qualified applications will be reviewed by OESBD. Qualifying applicants can apply for $5,000 or $2,500 in reimbursable expenses for their small business for eligible expenses paid within 180 days prior to their application date.
Eligibility Requirements
Business is currently eligible (meaning they are NOT suspended or debarred) to contract with the federal, state, or local government to receive federal, state, or local grants or loans.
Registered with a Broward County Business License Tax Receipt (2025 or 2026)
Registered with a City Business License Tax Receipt (2025 or 2026)
Have been in operation on or before October 1, 2024
Registered with State of Florida Division of Corporations
Business Tax Filings must be current (2024 or 2025)
Business Gross Annual Revenue of $1,000,000 or less
Business Employs 20 full-time people or less
The applicant(s) must be a majority owner or combined majority owners of the business (50% or more)
Must be a for-profit business
Must not be part of a national chain
Grant eligibility will be based on the address of the business as reported in the application; the home address of a business owner will not be considered unless the business is operating as a home-based business (home-based businesses must submit copy of IRS Form 8829)
One application per business, regardless of total eligible expenses.
Eligible Expenses
• Purchase of Inventory and Supplies (excludes alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, tobacco, etc.)
• Business Equipment
• Payment of rent or mortgage of the commercial space (home-based businesses must submit copy of IRS Form 8829)
• Publicity, Marketing, and Advertising (signs, pamphlets, wall plaques, cornerstones, dedications, notices, flyers, brochures, news releases, media, packages, promotions, and/or stationery)
• Commercial Security Systems
• Commercial Liability Insurance
• Professional Services (services must be directly provided to the business, i.e. Legal Services in connection with operation of the business).
•Eligible expenses as identified above that were paid for with a credit card under the business name (All receipts MUST be under the
business name)
These types of businesses are NOT eligible: any private or commercial golf course, country club, massage parlor, adult entertainment, hot tub facility, suntan facility, racetrack or other facility used for gambling, or any store which the principal business is the sale of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or other drug for consumption off premises.
Prohibited Expenses
Purchase of alcohol or tobacco
Purchase or lease of work vehicle
Rental deposits for a new business space
Late payment fees
Debts
Payroll/Salaries
Pre-Paid Expenses (such as insurance)
Taxes
Interior/Exterior Renovations and all home improvements
Fees owed to Broward County
Utility Bills
Art
Travel
Home Insurance
Car insurance for personal vehicle
All others not listed in the eligible use list
