Small Business & Nonprofit Grant

The Commissioner Yvette Colbourne Small Business & Nonprofit Grant is administered by the City of Miramar Economic Development and Housing Department to provide targeted financial assistance to small-scale businesses and nonprofit organizations operating within the city. The program is designed to strengthen local economic activity by supporting capacity building efforts among eligible organizations, particularly those classified as “Mom and Pop” businesses with ten or fewer employees and nonprofit entities organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. The initiative reflects a local government strategy to foster economic resilience, increase revenue generation, and enhance operational sustainability among smaller organizations within the community. The primary objective of the grant is to improve organizational capacity and stimulate measurable business growth, including increases in sales and operational efficiency. Funding may be used across a range of business needs that directly contribute to expansion or improved service delivery. Eligible uses include purchasing machinery and equipment, securing professional services such as legal, accounting, or marketing support, acquiring supplies or inventory, upgrading technology systems, covering commercial lease deposits, and supporting payroll expenses. The program explicitly excludes certain uses such as payment of property taxes, business debts, licenses, and the purchase of controlled substances, ensuring that funds are directed toward forward-looking investments rather than liabilities or restricted items. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are physically located within the City of Miramar, whether operating from a commercial space or home-based setting. Both for-profit small businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible, provided they have been in continuous operation for at least one year. Applicants must hold a valid City of Miramar Business Tax Receipt and maintain an active Sunbiz registration reflecting their current business name. Additional compliance requirements include being current on property taxes if applicable and not operating as part of a national or regional chain or franchise. The program further limits participation to one application per ownership group and enforces a strict employee cap of ten individuals. The application process requires submission of a complete package either online or in person at the City of Miramar Development Services Building. Applicants must provide documentation verifying operational history, business registration, tax receipts, identification, and proof of business location. Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of the business, such as professional licenses or conflict-of-interest clearances for applicants affiliated with the City. The application includes structured questions covering organizational details, business description, intended use of funds, and workforce composition, along with supporting documentation such as employee rosters and financial identifiers. The submission window for the grant program is clearly defined, with applications accepted only between June 29, 2026 and July 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM. No late submissions are accepted under any circumstances. The City strongly encourages applicants to attend a mandatory informational workshop held on June 29, 2026, where program requirements and application guidance are provided. While attendance does not guarantee funding, it serves as the primary forum for addressing applicant questions and clarifying expectations prior to submission. The City retains full discretion in evaluating applications and may request additional information or conduct meetings with applicants to assess organizational needs and ensure appropriate allocation of funds. Award decisions are contingent upon funding availability and adherence to program guidelines. Recipients may be required to provide proof of fund usage, and misuse of funds may result in reimbursement obligations. The grant does not specify a fixed award timeline or performance period but indicates that funds will be disbursed upon approval. For assistance or inquiries, applicants are directed to contact the program via the official email provided by the Economic Development and Housing Department.

Attend the required workshop before completing the application; ensure all documentation matches business name exactly; clearly justify how funds will drive growth; submit early to avoid disqualification