Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Maribel Feliciano
Department: Office of Economic and Small Business Development
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO APPROVE Broward County Micro-grant Program for Small Businesses (“Micro-grant Program”) for Fiscal Year 2026 pursuant to approved Micro-grant Program Guidelines, and authorize the continuation of the Micro-grant Program for future Fiscal Years based on funding approved annually by the Board for the Micro-grant Program; and authorize the County Administrator to execute grant agreements and other related documents necessary to administer the program and approve modifications to the Micro-grant Program Guidelines, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office.
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Why Action is Necessary
As per the County Attorney, the Pilot Program was approved by the County Commission in 2023 and the continuation of an annual program requires County Commission approval. This action establishes an annual micro-grant program.
What Action Accomplishes
Approves the annual Micro-grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026, and authorizes the continuation of the Micro-grant Program for future Fiscal Years based on funding approved annually by the Board for the Micro-grant Program; and authorizes the County Administrator to approve modifications to the Micro-grant Program Guidelines and execute associated grant agreements and documents related to the program.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
On November 23, 2023, the County Commission authorized County Administration to develop and administer a Broward County Micro-grant Pilot Program.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the County Commission’s Vision of “From sawgrass to seagrass, an inclusive and resilient community with a thriving quality of life”, and Goal of “Ensuring economic opportunities and a sustainable economy, with an emphasis on Broward's lower and middle class."
The County Commission approved funding for the 2026 Broward County Micro-grant Pilot Program for Small Businesses (“Micro-grant Pilot Program”) as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process. The Micro-grant Pilot Program provided working capital for small businesses located within Broward County. The grant funds will be available county-wide, with an approved budget of $250,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed Micro-grant Program Guidelines are outlined in the attached Exhibit 1. Technical assistance and outreach will be important components of the implementation plan and will be offered prior to launching the online grant application.
The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) administered the Small Business Micro-grant Pilot Program beginning in Fiscal Year 2024. The proposed Micro-grant Program is anticipated to launch in April 2026, following targeted outreach and technical assistance to further support and prepare the small business community.
The Micro-grant Program Guidelines may be modified from time to time to adjust to market conditions, and this item will authorize the County Administrator to approve the updated Guidelines.
Source of Additional Information
Maribel Feliciano, Director, OESBD, (954) 357-6400.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Fiscal Year 2026: $250,000. Funds for the Fiscal Year 2026 Micro-grant Program are budgeted in the OESBD Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.