Services

The Rural Expansion Toolkit includes grant opportunities for marketing and training, consulting services, and site preparedness in Florida’s rural communities. Applications will be accepted from local or regional economic development or community partners located within a rural community [as identified in 288.0656(e) Florida Statutes] who can demonstrate a pathway to site readiness.

Marketing & Training Program Description

The Rural Marketing & Training Grant Program was established to support rural communities’ efforts to market their counties and provide additional training, technical, marketing and lead generation opportunities to their employees, elected officials and board members.

奖助金经费也可以使用d for attendance at any approved economic development related conference or forum including reimbursement for participation inRural Week in Tallahassee in March 2021.

Grants within this program are eligible for reimbursement up to $5,000 for activities completed between July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.

To learn more about this opportunity, click here:Rural Marketing Training Program Summary.

Consulting Services Program Description

Communities may apply for reimbursement for consulting services to enhance economic development efforts within their community. These efforts may include contracting with a consultant to:

  • Conduct a SWAT analysis
  • Develop RFI response template
  • Development of an operations or strategic plan
  • Opportunity Zone consulting
  • Site evaluation services
  • Other eligible consulting services

Grants within this program are eligible for reimbursement up to $5,000 for activities completed between July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.

To learn more about this opportunity, click here:Consulting Services Program Summary.

Site Preparedness Program Description

To gain a competitive advantage when it comes to business attraction and expansion projects, EFI will assist Florida’s rural communities with the development/enhancement of sites to make them build-ready and competitive for site selection projects.

Grant funds may be available for, but are not limited to, the following types of activities:

  • Matching funds for federal grants
  • Renovation of existing building or demolition of old buildings (county or city owned)
  • Storm water project for potential commercial sites
  • Phase one environmental study
  • Gas line extension
  • Water and sewer construction or upgrade
  • Access road construction (including engineering or architecture costs)
  • Other approved infrastructure costs

Grants within this program are eligible for reimbursement up to $25,000 with a 24-month term beginning upon the execution of the grant contract.

To learn more about this opportunity, click here:EFI Site Preparedness Program Summary

How to Apply

Applicants must demonstrate how the funding will be used. All Grant applications must include:

  1. Proof of organization designation
  2. Description of project/program/event in which grant funding is requested.
  3. Application must be signed by organization CEO or board chairman
  4. Signed and dated W9 form
  5. Completed deliverable schedule

Marketing & Training Application– Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2021 for grant activities completed between July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.Click Here to Apply.

Consulting Services Application– Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2021 for grant activities completed between July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.Click Here to Apply.

Site Preparedness Application– Applications will be accepted until December 15,2020.Click Here to Apply.

For additional information please contact:

Michelle Boylan

Director of Contracts, Compliance & Grants

mboylan@enterpriseflorida.com

407-625-1568