A new grant program in West Palm Beach is meant to help businesses run by people of color and women.
The city said that there will be grant chances in four areas that are important to the success of small businesses: marketing, inventory/equipment, property improvement, and developing new businesses.
There are grants between $20,000 and $50,000.
Businesses can only apply for money in one area, and each grant needs a different set of information and paperwork.
Funding will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, based on whether or not an applicant is eligible as a city-certified small business or for the Minority/Woman Business Enterprise programs.
In addition to SBE and/or M/WBE licensing, a business must, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:
- Inside the city limits of West Palm Beach.
- Be a business that is listed with the state of Florida’s Division of Corporations to do business.
- Free of any liens or code violations from the city.
- If the company owner also owns the property, the taxes should be paid up to date.
In a statement, Mayor Keith A. James said, “A strong city needs a strong business community.” “This program shows how much we believe in the American Dream and in the ability of small businesses to grow and do well with a little help. Since small companies do so much for our city, we want to help them through hard times.
