Orlando’s vibrant economy is bolstered by a robust network of resources dedicated to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing venture, the city offers numerous programs and organizations designed to foster growth and innovation.
City of Orlando Business Assistance Programs
The City of Orlando provides several initiatives to aid local businesses:
Business Assistance Program (BAP)
The BAP is a matching grant program aimed at encouraging small businesses to establish or expand within the city. It offers financial assistance to offset development fees, including sewer and transportation impact fees, building permit fees, and public right-of-way infrastructure costs. Eligible businesses can receive up to $20,000 in matching funds. To qualify, businesses must be located within city limits and meet specific criteria outlined by the program.
Small Business Façade, Site Improvement, and Adaptive Reuse Program
This program provides matching grants up to $50,000 for façade, site, and building improvements to underutilized properties within Orlando. It’s designed to revitalize commercial areas and support the growth of small businesses by enhancing the physical appearance and functionality of their premises.
Entrepreneurial Support Organizations
Several organizations in Orlando are dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and business development:
StarterStudio
StarterStudio is a nonprofit organization offering accelerator programs for tech startups. Their mission is to build founders from the ground up, providing intensive programs that prepare entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. They offer three accelerator programs tailored to different stages of business development, along with events and workshops to foster a collaborative entrepreneurial community.
National Entrepreneur Center (NEC)
Founded in 2003, the NEC is a collaborative effort providing a shared facility for small business development. It offers free one-on-one business coaching, low-cost seminars, networking events, and access to various business resources. The center aims to make it easier for anyone to start and grow a company in Orlando by leveraging the resources and skills of resident organizations.
UCF Business Incubation Program
Operated by the University of Central Florida, this program provides business development and operational support to early-stage, innovative businesses throughout Central Florida. Since 1999, it has supported hundreds of companies, collectively generating significant sales and outside funding. The program offers various initiatives, including a Business Modeling Boot Camp to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop viable business models.
Veteran Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI)
VEI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting veteran entrepreneurs. Through coaching, mentoring, educational classes, seminars, online tools, and networking opportunities, VEI assists veterans in exploring business ideas and scaling existing companies. Since 2013, it has helped over 300 veteran entrepreneurs, resulting in the creation of numerous jobs and generating substantial annual revenues.
Recent Developments
In April 2026, the Orlando City Council adopted a new policy to give small and local businesses an advantage when bidding on city contracts. Florida-based companies with fewer than 100 employees can register as small businesses for the program, with those located within city limits eligible for even higher priority. This initiative aims to bolster local economic growth by supporting small enterprises in securing city contracts.
By leveraging these resources, Orlando’s entrepreneurs and small business owners can access the support needed to thrive in a dynamic economic environment. The city’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly atmosphere ensures that local enterprises have the tools and opportunities to succeed.