About this programme
Florida's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is administered by FloridaCommerce in partnership with the Florida Opportunity Fund and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation. It runs five separate financing tools designed to help small businesses get capital they might not otherwise access through conventional lending.
The program is part of a multi-year state effort tied to Governor Ron DeSantis's push to prioritize workforce development, build a business-friendly environment and stimulate economic growth. In September 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury approved Florida's SSBCI plan for $488 million in funding, released in three tranches; the first tranche, $142 million, has already been made available for deployment.
SSBCI funding is aimed at supporting very small businesses as well as businesses owned or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, rural and other targeted small business populations across Florida.
How it works
Collateral Support Program: uses public resources as a cash deposit collateral for a business loan or credit facility, enabling financing that might otherwise be unavailable due to a collateral shortfall.
Equity Capital Program: a targeted investment strategy where FloridaCommerce works with the Florida Opportunity Fund to secure partnerships with public entities and investment managers who can support Florida small businesses.
Loan Participation Program: SSBCI funds are used alongside private funds to support a loan; the funds may act as a companion loan, or may purchase a portion of the loan made by the private lender.
Loan Guarantee Program: provides a private lender with a short-term, partial guarantee to support a loan or line of credit for an eligible small business.
Capital Access Program: a pooled loan insurance program where a private lender originates the loan, the borrower and lender each contribute a percentage of the loan, and that contribution is matched by SSBCI funding.
Every SSBCI tool is delivered through a network of partner lenders rather than directly by the state.
Who can apply
The business must be Florida-based and have fewer than 500 employees.
Funding may be used for start-up costs, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, and the purchase, construction, renovation or tenant improvements of an eligible place of business.
How to apply
- Apply through a participating private lender in FloridaCommerce's SSBCI lender network, not directly through the state.
- Sign up for SSBCI funding-opportunity updates through FloridaCommerce's official signup form to be notified as participating lenders and opportunities become available.
Frequently asked
What are the five SSBCI tools?
Collateral Support, Equity Capital, Loan Participation, Loan Guarantee and Capital Access. Each works through a private lender in a different way, from providing cash-deposit collateral to matching a lender's and borrower's own contribution.
Who can qualify?
A Florida-based business with fewer than 500 employees. Funds can cover start-up costs, procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, and buying, building or improving a place of business.
Do I apply directly to the state?
No. SSBCI funding is delivered through a network of participating private lenders, not as a direct state application.
How much funding does Florida have available?
The U.S. Treasury approved $488 million for Florida's SSBCI plan in September 2022, released in three tranches; the first tranche of $142 million is already available for deployment.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.