SCORE North Central Florida (NCF) created the startup grant program to assist emerging new businesses in North Central Florida with funds to complete development and, or offset costs related to starting a new business.
The SCORE NCF business startup grant is available to all applicants who qualify according to grant requirements criteria. Three (3) grants of up to $1500 each will be awarded in 2017.
Grants will be awarded in the form of a reimbursement for startup expenses which could include; legal and accounting fees, incorporation fees, state licensing, and related expenses. Other expenses unique to the enterprise would be considered for funding on an individual basis.
- To qualify for the business startup grant all applicants must agree and comply with the following criteria:
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in the SCORE mentoring program
- Be/plan to be located within the SCORE NCF region
- Be/plan to be a full time "for profit" business
- Have completed, or be in the process of completing a business plan
- Must submit a letter of interest that includes a statement for use of funds
- Complete SCORE grant application form
- Willing and able to authorize SCORE NCF to showcase their business story
- Meet quarterly with SCORE mentoring staff for ongoing technical assistance
All applications submitted will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. Only applications that meet general submission criteria will be considered for evaluation. Applicants being considered will be evaluated on a 14 point assessment rubric. Each evaluating point is assigned a 1-5 score totaling a maximum numerical score of 70. Three (3) individual grants of $1500 each, per calendar year, will be awarded to applicants with the highest score. Grant recipients will be notified via mail.
All information that you provide will be kept in the strictest confidence. Some of these questions are hard, but starting a business is not for the faint of heart! These questions help us determine where you are in the startup process and help you think about the things that make a business successful. And remember that SCORE is here to help you succeed!