A funding opportunity designed to empower Florida's next generation of founders. Supporting young innovators under 25 who have already launched a business and are ready to grow, scale, and lead.
Apply Now — $15 Application FeeMicro-capital for real businesses run by real young founders.
The GBDC Entrepreneurship Institute Young Entrepreneurs Grant Program supports emerging founders under age 25 who have already launched a real, revenue-generating business in Florida. This program is designed to fund early-stage entrepreneurs, especially those who need micro-capital to grow, stabilize, or scale their ventures. The award pool is directly determined by the number of paid applications, ensuring full transparency and scalability.
From application to award — here's how it works.
All applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify.
Must be under 25 years old as of the application deadline (August 31, 2026). Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign the application and grant agreement.
Applicants must reside in the state of Florida.
Must have an established business operating in Florida with an Instagram Shop, website, or Facebook Shop.
Must have made at least one sale with verifiable proof: invoice, receipt, contract, or order confirmation.
Any industry is eligible as long as you sell a product or service. Influencer-only and content-creator-only pages are excluded.
Sunbiz registration, proof of sale, proof of age, product photos, and business screenshots are required with your application.
Transparent funding — the award pool scales with applications received.
| # of Applications | Total Pool | # of Grants | Grant Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 applications | $4,500 | 5 grants | $500 – $750 each |
| 500 applications | $7,500 | 7 grants | $750 – $1,000 each |
| 1,000 applications | $15,000 | 10 grants | $1,000 – $1,500 each |
| 2,000 applications | $30,000 | 10 grants | $1,500 – $2,000 each |
Application fee: $15 non-refundable. GBDCEI allocates up to 20–30% of the pool for gala production, venue, media, youth program operations, payment processing, and staff/judging committee — aligned with nonprofit best practices.
Complete all five sections to submit your application.
Full name, date of birth, address, email, phone, and your Instagram Shop link or business website URL.
Sunbiz registration, EIN (optional), proof of at least one sale (invoice, receipt, contract, or order confirmation), and proof of age.
Eight questions about your business model, origin story, progress, challenges, grant impact, 12-month goals, uniqueness, and any additional information.
Current monthly revenue, monthly expenses, prior funding received, and how much capital you need and why.
Business logo (optional), product photos, Instagram Shop/website/Facebook screenshots, event setup pictures (optional), and proof of sale.
Pay the $15 application fee via Stripe, PayPal, Square, or Apple Pay. You'll receive a confirmation email and receipt immediately.
Our review committee evaluates each application on six key criteria.
Is the product or service clearly defined? Is the target market identifiable?
Has the business made at least one sale? Is there evidence of real customer engagement?
Will the grant meaningfully accelerate growth? Is the funding plan specific and realistic?
Does the entrepreneur show passion, persistence, and a clear direction for the business?
Are the 12-month goals achievable? Is the plan grounded in realistic milestones?
Does the business contribute positively to the local community or serve an underserved need?
Know what's expected before you apply.
Applications are open May 1 – August 31, 2026. Don't miss your chance to receive micro-grant funding and be recognized at the Young Entrepreneurs Gala.