Funded entirely by the county, the grant funds can be used for minor repairs or to purchase equipment, supplies, inventory, advertising and insurance.
Grant recipients also receive technical assistance from the local Neighbors And Neighbors Association, a nonprofit that helps small businesses in poor communities solve technical problems and apply for funding.
Unlike many counties, Miami-Dade makes a special effort each year to set aside money from its general budget for the program. Reportedly, more than $1 million is available this year to applicants.
Since the program's inception in 1999, the county has given away more than $9 million to help more than 1,000 businesses.
To apply, small business owners should call (305) 756-0605 to obtain an application, and to register to attend a mandatory workshop on how to run a small business.
For more details, visit:
www.miamidade.gov/ced/program_grants_mom-pop.asp
