Starting a business in Florida in 2026 can be exciting, but it also takes strategic planning, especially when it comes to funding. Fortunately, Florida and its local cities offer a variety of grants for new companies in Florida, subsidies, and financial incentives designed to help new businesses launch, grow, and thrive. This guide breaks down the most relevant programs and opportunities available to entrepreneurs in 2026.
📈 1. Florida State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0)
One of the most powerful tools for startups and small businesses in Florida is the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
➡️ This program helps businesses access capital through several support structures — including loan guarantees, capital access, and collateral support. These funds are administered with partner lenders across the state.
💡 What it covers:
- Startup costs and working capital
- Franchise fees
- Equipment purchase or upgrades
- Inventory expansion
- Acquisition, construction, or renovation of business space
Eligible businesses must be Florida-based and meet employment thresholds defined by each program component.Florida Jobs
📍 Why this matters: In 2025, Florida announced an additional $167 million available through the SSBCI to support small businesses and startups across industries.Florida Jobs
👉 Learn more and check eligibility here: https://www.floridajobs.org/FloridaSSBCI
🏙️ 2. Local City Incentive Programs
Many cities in Florida offer local grants and incentives targeted to small businesses:
📍 Miami Beach Small Business Grants
The City of Miami Beach runs a Small Business Grant program that offers financial support up to $5,000 to local businesses that meet eligibility requirements (physical presence, business license, compliance with local codes, etc.) Actually closed, they often open this incentive program.
👉 Apply & see details here: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/business/doing-business-with-mb/business-incentives/small-business-grant/ Miami Beach
📍 Orlando Business Incentives
Orlando provides a range of business incentive programs — including a matching grant up to $20,000 for new or expanding businesses to help offset development costs.
👉 More info here: https://www.orlando.gov/Building-Development/Business-Incentives/Business-Incentive-Programs Orlando
These city-level programs can provide valuable early-stage capital for equipment, renovations, or permitting fees tied to business launch and growth.
🌎 3. Other Grants & Funding Options
In addition to Florida state and local programs, your business may also consider:
🧠 Orlando MEBA Program
This program supports minority- or women-owned businesses with grants up to $40,000 for equipment, marketing, and capital improvements in target areas.
✈️ SelectFlorida Trade Grants
Designed to help Florida companies enter export markets — with funding that can assist product/service expansion overseas.
📊 Florida STEP Grants
Offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP), these can help with trade show costs, marketing, travel, and export-related expenses.
While not specific to Florida, these federal programs are available to Florida businesses and offer additional capital or reimbursement support if you qualify.
📌 4. Additional Funding & Incentive Resources
Don’t overlook microloan and business assistance programs available in cities like Miami:
- Micro-lending & peer lending to help build credit and access smaller capital lines
- Revolving loan funds for longer-term financing of business growth or relocation efforts
These programs can supplement grants and state incentives where qualifying requirements align.
🧠 5. Tips to Improve Your Funding Success
Starting an application for grants or incentives can be competitive. Here are some practical tips:
✔️ Develop a clear business plan — most funding programs require detailed uses of funds.
✔️ Connect with local SBDC offices — Florida Small Business Development Centers offer free counseling.
✔️ Track deadlines carefully — some city grants run on limited windows.
✔️ Leverage tax incentives — explore tax credits and exemptions available for new enterprises.
Florida continues to position itself as a business-friendly state with multiple funding avenues for entrepreneurs and startup founders in 2026. From the SSBCI capital programs to local city grants and federal assistance options — there are real opportunities to support your business launch and early-stage growth.
👉 You can see more details and application info here:
- State SSBCI program: https://www.floridajobs.org/FloridaSSBCI
- Miami Beach grant details: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/business/doing-business-with-mb/business-incentives/small-business-grant/
- Orlando business incentives: https://www.orlando.gov/Building-Development/Business-Incentives/Business-Incentive-Programs