Microenterprise Grant Program 

​GOCDC in partnership with the City of Ocala are offering grants for microenterprises affected by COVID 19. The Microenterprise Grant Program is designed to assist businesses with 5 or fewer employees [including the owner(s)] that have been negatively impacted due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

​​The program will now provide grants up to $10,000 for business owners who need financial assistance to support business operational costs to keep the business sustainable. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Funding will be awarded based on a first come, first eligible, fully completed application basis, subject to the availability of funding. Grant assistance is provided through a one-time payment that must be spent by the recipient within 45 days of issuance.

Eligibility

Please note: Nonprofits, liquor, tobacco sales, pawn shops, cannabis stores, real estate rental or sales, part of a chain, sell weapons or firearms, adult entertainment and social club businesses are not eligible. Business owned by persons under the age of 18 are not eligible.
    If you  answered “NO” to ANY of the above questions (with the exception of question 6c to which you need to have answered “NO”), your business will not qualify for microenterprise assistance. Please give us a call at (404) 993-7189 and we may be able to help you find other resources that may be available to your business. 
    If you did not answer “NO” to any of the questions, please submit your responses and you will receive a link to the application.

SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS

Small businesses are a major force in the U.S. economy. There are more than thirty million small businesses in the United States and of that number 89% have fewer than 20 employees.  Small businesses generate about 50% of our gross domestic product ($8 trillion dollars). Business ownership allows individuals, including women and minorities, to achieve financial success, as well as pride in their accomplishments. While the majority of small businesses are still owned by white males, the past two decades have seen a substantial increase in the number of businesses owned by women and minorities.

In 2018, we established the  Build A Better Business series, which has helped more than 40 entrepreneurs learn key factors in creating and sustaining a successful business. Through our partnerships and donors, we have given more than $40,000 in grants to micro-business owners (fewer than 5 employees) and continue to support them with coaching, networking, and strategic planning.
The Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation is located at
1515 E Silver Springs Blvd Suite #132 Ocala, FL 34470

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