Tampa Entrepreneur Support Hub
The City of Tampa has the Tampa Entrepreneur Support Hub, an initiative designed to address the gaps in availability of mentorship, training and resources for small business and entrepreneurs. The initiative, funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), offers resources and expert guidance to entrepreneurs looking to start, strengthen, and expand their businesses within the City of Tampa.
Through business incubator support, technical assistance and scale-up services, entrepreneurs will gain access to the tools, coaching and resources they need to succeed. Upon successful completion of the entrepreneur’s individualized program components, eligible businesses may also qualify for a $1,000 microgrant to support their business growth.
Minimum Business/Entrepreneur Eligibility Requirements
Microenterprises (1-5 employees, including the owner):
- The entrepreneur’s family income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) at the time of application as established by the current HUD income limits. Click here for HUD income limits (use State: Florida | County: Hillsborough).
- Established microenterprises must be physically located within Tampa city limits, while individuals developing a new microenterprise must reside in the city limits and intend to establish the microenterprise within the City of Tampa. Click here for the Tampa City Limits interactive map.
Small Businesses
- The business must be located in and serve residents of an eligible Low- Moderate-Income (LMI) Area the City of Tampa. The goods or services offered must be available, affordable, and accessible to all residents in the service area. Examples of such services include grocery stores, laundromats, dry cleaners, pharmacies, health care, etc.
Community Partners
Florida SBDC at USF and Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre have been awarded CDBG funds through an RFA process for the delivery of the following economic development services in support of Tampa’s Entrepreneurs:
- Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre
- Services are available for microenterprise Entrepreneurs through one-on-one technical assistance as well as incubation support services (cohort based) to early-stage Entrepreneurs through their Start-Up Academy.
- Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at USF–
- Services are available for microenterprise Entrepreneurs through one-on-one technical assistance and for small businesses through scale-up services provided by their Growth Acceleration Program.
How to Get Started
Interested small businesses and microenterprise entrepreneurs can contact SBDC at USF or Tampa Bay Women’s Centre directly or schedule a consultation with the City of Tampa’s Small Business Navigator. The Navigator will help determine if you and your business meeting the minimum eligibility criteria for the funded programs and provide additional resources.