83ยฐ 
1. Program Overview & Purpose
The City of Miami Beach is committed to economic resilience through diversification and targeted support for small businesses. In the wake of challenges posed by shifts in tourism trends and rising commercial rents, small businesses have shown remarkable adaptability but continue to face pressures from increasing costs and seasonal slowdowns. To address these challenges, the City has introduced the Small Business Grant Program (the โProgramโ), an initiative offering grants of up to $5,000 to twenty eligible small businesses. This program aims to provide resources to businesses with a physical presence within the City to help enhance operations, sustain jobs, and support year-round success. Aligned with the City's dedication to innovation and economic vitality, funding for this initiative will be considered as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget process with applications being accepted from February 14, 2025 through April 14, 2025 or until the allocated funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.
2. Eligibility Requirements for Reimbursement
Applications will be evaluated by the following criteria:
- Located in Miami Beach and in operation with a Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for at least two (2) years;
- Registered as an active entity with the Florida Division of Corporations;
- No affiliation with a national chain business or franchise; and
- In โgood standingโ with the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County, including, but not limited to, an active Business Tax Receipt (BTR), no outstanding taxes or debt, and full compliance with local ordinances, zoning laws, and licensing requirements.
Potential ineligible businesses may include:
- Franchises and national chain businesses;
- Health, medical, and social service businesses, including but not limited to, walk-in clinics, pain management clinics, hospitals and all affiliated services, chain pharmacies, detoxification centers/clinics, residential care facilities, and labs;
- Agricultural service industries;
- Not-for-Profit organizations;
- Tattoo parlors;
- Body piercing or body art shops;
- Adult entertainment facilities;
- Adult-oriented or adult-themed businesses;
- Nightclubs, standalone bars, or taverns;
- Liquor stores;
- Gun shops;
- Pawn shops;
- Home-based businesses;
- Businesses that sell paraphernalia that may be considered drug paraphernalia; and
- Vitamin shops.
3. Qualified Expenses
Grant funds may be used to reimburse the following qualified expenses incurred by the business after the execution of the grant agreement with the City of Miami Beach:
- Operational Costs:
- Rent, lease, or mortgage payments for business premises;
- Utility payments (e.g., electricity, water, internet); and
- Repair or purchase of equipment or technology necessary for business operations.
- Professional Services and Employee Related Costs:
- Payroll expenses for employees;
- Marketing and Advertising.
- Inventory and Supplies:
- Purchase of inventory or supplies directly related to business operations.
- Other Approved Expenses:
- Any other expenses deemed necessary for the businessโ operations and approved by the City of Miami Beach.
All Agreements must be executed by September 1, 2025. All reimbursement requests must be submitted by September 30, 2025.
- Non-Qualified Expenses:
Grant funds may not be used for the following:- Personal expenses are unrelated to business operations.
- Payment of outstanding taxes, fines, or penalties.
- Expenses incurred prior to the execution of the grant agreement.
- Costs associated with lobbying or political activities.
*The City reserves the right to review and approve or deny any expense at its discretion.
4. Grant Award
Eligible businesses will be provided with a reimbursement-based financial grant for the dollar value of up to $5,000.
- Reimbursable expenses must be paid by the business entity.
5. Application Process
- Grant applications and awards will be evaluated and approved on a first-come, first-qualified, first-approved basis, subject to eligibility and availability of funds.
- Complete applications will be received and evaluated by the Administration, via the Economic Development Department, within 30 business days of submission.
- Upon evaluation by the Administration, applicants will be informed of eligibility status.
- Upon approval, the applicant will be provided a City of Miami Beach Small Business Grant Program agreement (the โAgreementโ). All Agreements must be executed by September 1, 2025.
6. Application Instructions
- Carefully review Program guidelines, application, and related materials.
- Consideration for participation in the Program will not commence until an Applicant submits a complete application. Any prior communication with City staff related to the submission of an application does not constitute application submittal or consideration.
- The Application must be signed by an executive officer or owner of the named entity serving as Applicant.
- Submit your online application at mbbiz.gosmart.org.
- If you have any questions, please contact the Cityโs Economic Development Department to discuss your application, business needs, and whether your business furthers the Program objectives.
City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department
Email: mbbiz@miamibeachfl.gov Phone: 305-673-7572
7. Required Documents
TO APPLY:
- Proof of a valid executed lease agreement for business property with a minimum term of 2 years; or
- Proof of a valid ownership deed/document displaying that the property is owned by business if applicable.
REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT:
- Executed Small Business Grant Program Agreement.
- Active and valid City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County Business Tax Receipt (BTR).
- City of Miami Beach Vendor Number (to register as a vendor, visit How to Become a Vendor?).
*The City at its discretion may consider any other criteria at the request and recommendation of the City Manager.
8. Reimbursement Process
After qualified expenses are paid by the business entity, the grant recipient must provide the following to the City for review, prior to reimbursement of expenses:
- Copies of itemized receipts and/or paid invoices clearly showing the date, amount, and purpose of the expense.
- Proof of payment (copy of cancelled checks or bank statements).
- All reimbursement requests must be submitted on or before September 30, 2025.
Watch the Small Business Grant Webinar Recording
Missed our recent info-session? Get all the details on eligibility, how to apply, and helpful tips for success.
Need more info? Contact us at mbbiz@miamibeachfl.gov
The Miami Beach Civic Access (CSS) portal is the next generation service site for permitting, planning, business tax receipts and code compliance. Users can submit various requests online โ learn the status of your permit application, building plan or even request an inspection.
Subscribe to MMBiz Newsletter
Receive resources and updates from the Economic Development Department sent right to your phone.
