The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Office of Small and Minority Business Capital promotes economic prosperity for Florida's small businesses through economic development programs to further diversify Florida's economy and create future resiliency.

These programs provide newly established or growing small businesses with access to capital, technical assistance and business management training to small business owners to foster vibrant and healthy communities.

DEO administers various loan programs available to eligible small businesses in Florida and works with strategic partners to assist small businesses in efficiently operating, expanding and creating jobs for hardworking Florida families. Administration includes overseeing and monitoring of all development financing programs and providing technical assistance and support to small businesses.

Business Advantages

  • Increases access to affordable long-term capital without the high down payment requirements often associated with conventional financing programs;
  • Includes eligibility for newly established or growing small businesses;
  • Offers flexible use of funds - startup costs, working capital and the acquisition of real estate and other major fixed assets; and
  • Provides business management training and technical assistance.

Lender Advantages

  • Expands your business loan portfolio;
  • Minimizes collateral risk and puts your lending organization in a first lien position with an attractive 50% LTV;
  • Lending organization makes its own credit decisions with its own loan documentation;
  • Earns fees and interest income on interim loans related to the project;
  • Helps manage lending limits and industry exposure; and
  • Streamlines procedures and quick response to project loan requests.

Learn More About the Small and Minority Business Loan Programs

Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund

The Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund is a program created to provide financing to assist businesses with resiliency efforts. The funds will address the current gap in available, affordable capital for businesses that can be used for inventory purchases, construction, working capital, equipment financing and more.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, interest-free working capital loans that are intended to "bridge the gap" between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources.

Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Program

The Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Program provides financial assistance to local governments in the form of a loan or loan guaranty for projects that will maintain or create new jobs and increase the economic vitality and diversification of Florida's rural counties and communities. The program provides loans for uses such as the purchase of equipment; the acquisition, construction or improvement of buildings; and acquisition of land and water/sewer projects.

Small Business Loan Program

The Small Business Loan Program offers loans to qualified small businesses. These loans must be applied for through a third-party lender (credit union, commercial lender and Certified Development Finance Institutions). The loan proceeds must be used for a "business purpose." A business purpose includes, but is not limited to, startup costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, as well as the purchase, construction renovation or tenant improvements of an eligible place of business that is not for passive real estate investment purposes.

Microfinance Guarantee Program

The purpose of the Microfinance Guarantee Program is to improve the ability of entrepreneurs and small businesses to access capital offering loan guarantees to lenders that extend credit.

Black Business Loan Program

The Black Business Loan Program offers alternative lending solutions to Florida-based black owned small businesses by providing short-term loans and technical assistance.

Prospera

Prospera provides technical assistance and financial education to Hispanic-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

Urban League of Broward County

The Urban League of Broward County provides technical assistance and capital to entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses.

Brownfield Area Loan Guarantee Program

Florida's Brownfield Area Loan Guarantee Program (see section 376.86, Florida Statutes - Brownfield Areas Loan Guarantee Program) is just one of the Brownfield incentives available for developers of Brownfield sites. The limited state loan guarantee applies only to 50 percent of the primary lender's loan for redevelopment projects in Brownfield areas with two exceptions for healthcare facilities or affordable housing provided they meet the Additional information:

Additional Resources

An equal opportunity employer/program.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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