Business Financing Programs

This web page is for informational purposes only. Please contact individual organizations listed for detailed information and other eligibility requirements.

Federal Grants – This site allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all federal grant-making agencies. www.grants.gov/

Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC) - A statewide, non-profit certified development company that promotes economic development and job creation by working with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide available and affordable financing to small businesses. FFCFC lends under the SBA 504 Loan Program, the state of Florida Recycling Loan Program and other small business assistance programs. www.ffcfc.com/

Florida Venture Forum - Florida's oldest, largest and most prestigious statewide support group for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneurial networking group, the Florida Venture Forum educates entrepreneurs and assists them in identifying sources of venture capital. Throughout the year, the Florida Venture Forum provides programs on a statewide basis. www.flventure.org/

Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) - An IRB is a financing tool, similar to a loan, used to help companies build or buy a facility or buy land and/or equipment. The OED is the designated conduit issuer of IRBs in Jacksonville, FL. IRBs are offered as a way to encourage relocations and expansions of companies that provide jobs and expand economic opportunities. Designated IRB issuers, such as the OED, issue the bonds but do not make the loan. The investor buying the bond makes the loan. Companies applying for IRBs must find their own bond purchaser.

Download the IRB Application.

For more information about the IRB Program in Jacksonville, contact the Office of Economic Development at (904) 255-5444.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans - Provides new and established business owners with financial management, technical and procurement assistance. The SBA is a federal agency established to aid, counsel and assist and protect the interest of small business and strengthen the overall economy of the nation. Listed below are two of the most popular programs.  For complete information visit the Jacksonville SBA web site or use the links below. The SBA has increased maximum loan amounts in several of its programs, following the approval of the Small Business Jobs Act. Limits for the 7(a) guaranteed loans and 504 loans have increased from $2 million to $5 million and to $5.5 million for manufacturers and certain energy-related projects. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/news.

• 504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Loan Program - This is a long-term financing tool for community development projects. Typically, a 504 project includes a loan secured with a senior lien from a private-sector lender covering up to 50 percent of the project cost, a loan secured with a junior lien from the CDC (backed by a 100 percent SBA-guaranteed debenture) covering up to 40 percent of the cost, and a contribution of at least 10 percent equity from the small business being helped.  https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/oca/resources/5991

• 7(a)Loan Guaranty Program - The most basic and most used type loan of SBA's business loan programs. All 7(a) loans are provided by lenders who are called participants because they participate with SBA in the 7(a) program. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, thereby reducing the risk to the lender. Under this program, the SBA is not issuing the loan, the lender is and businesses should apply with their local lender not the SBA. For more information visit: https://www.sba.gov/category/lender-navigation/sba-loan-programs/7a-loan-programs.