The City of Tampa has launched the Tampa Entrepreneur Support Hub, a new program funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The initiative aims to support microenterprises and small businesses in low to moderate income communities within Tampa by providing economic development services.
Services offered through the program include business incubator support, technical assistance, and scale-up services. Participants will have access to resources designed to help them start, strengthen, or expand their businesses. Businesses that successfully complete the program may be eligible for a microgrant to assist with growth.
Eligibility criteria vary based on business size. Microenterprises are defined as businesses with fewer than five employees, including the owner. To qualify, either the owner or individual developing a new microenterprise must be classified as Low to Moderate Income (LMI), and both established and prospective businesses must be located or reside within Tampa city limits. Small businesses with six to ninety-nine employees must also operate within an eligible LMI area in Tampa.
Incubation services will be provided by the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre through its Startup Academy. Technical assistance for microenterprises will come from both the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre and Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at USF, while scale-up services for small businesses will be delivered by Florida SBDC at USF under its growth acceleration services.
Interested business owners can schedule consultations with the City of Tampa’s Small Business Navigator for more information about participating in the program.
“Media will have the opportunity to hear from the City of Tampa’s Economic Opportunity Director Javier Marin, as well as interview representatives from the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre and Florida’s Small Business Development Center.”
