Small Business

EFI facilitates a number of capital programs that match qualifying small businesses with lenders that can provide financial assistance and lines of credit. Our State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and Microfinance Guarantee programs are designed to assist small businesses in obtaining loan approvals and leverage private capital for use in startup costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory or the purchase of owner‐occupied commercial real estate. In addition, the EFI‐sponsored Florida Opportunity Fund provides venture capital for start-up and early-stage businesses.

EFI works hard to support existing minority development efforts by partnering with established outside organizations to provide small, minority and entrepreneurial companies with training, development and financing options. In this vein, a Group of 6 or “G6” partners have proven vital to a successful outreach and communication in this area. Our G6 partners include the Florida Advisory on Small and Minority Business Development, Prospera and the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council.

In addition to our G6 partners, EFI works with other outreach partners throughout Florida to support existing small and minority business development efforts. These partners include the Florida Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, the Florida Department of Opportunity, the Small Business Administration, the Florida Small Business Development Network, the Florida Regional Councils Association, the Florida Economic Development Council, GrowFL and the Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center.

EFI provides export counseling for small businesses looking to expand their product offerings to the international marketplace. For more information on how EFI can help your small business access international trade opportunities, visit the Export from Florida section of our website.