Business Finance
Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB)
Industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) can be issued for the purpose of financing the costs of projects, which must meet certain requirements. The term "project" may include an existing industrial or manufacturing plant, a research and development plant, an agricultural processing or storage facility, a warehousing or distribution facility, a headquarters facility, a tourism facility, an educational facility, a commercial project in an enterprise zone, a health care facility, and some non-profit uses. The advantage of IRBs is that they can be for a longer term and at a lower interest rate, usually 1% below prime. The interest on the bonds has preferable income tax treatment by the IRS and the savings are passed along to the user. The program is administered by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), located at the Orlando Economic Partnership. There is a non-refundable application fee. The IDA will review the application and assist in the review and approval of the bond resolution. After final approval of the issue by the bond authority, it must be approved by the local government entity in which the project is located (usually on consent agenda).
Enterprise Bond Program
The state provides financial assistance through the Enterprise Bond Program. The program offers tax-exempt, low interest bond financing to qualified manufacturing and 501(c) 3 non-profit organizations. This program was designed to improve low cost capital availability to Florida’s growing and expanding businesses, including minorities and rural communities, to allow them to be more competitive in the global and domestic market place. Loan amounts range between $500,000 and $2,000,000. For more information regarding this program, contact the Florida Development Finance Corporation at (407) 316-4692.
Florida Export Finance Corporation
Florida Export Finance Corporation provides financing assistance to small and medium sized businesses operating in Florida. Information, technical and consulting assistances is also provided. Visit their website or phone (305) 870-5027.
Export-Import Bank of the United States
The Export-Import Bank of the United States is an independent U.S. Government agency that helps finance the overseas sales of U.S. goods and services. EX-IM Bank's mission is to create jobs through exports. Visit their website or phone (305) 526-7436.
Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC)
Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC) has been established to assist companies in the packaging of SBA 504, SBA 7A, Recycling Loans and Energy Loans. The Metro Orlando EDC facilitates meetings with FFCFC and the company. The SBA 504 loan is for the acquisition, construction of owner-occupied commercial real estate or for the purchase of equipment. The benefits include fixed-rate financing, lower down payment, long-term maturities, reduced monthly payments, and conservation of capital. Loan size can vary from $250,000 to $10,000,000.
Black Business Investment Fund of Florida (BBIF)
BBIF Florida (BBIF) is a non-profit, mission-driven, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that helps Florida businesses thrive by providing loan capital alongside with business development training. BBIF also helps to stabilize low-income, distressed neighborhoods by investing in economic development projects that stabilizing communities and create jobs.
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, BBIF Florida was created in 1987 out of Florida Statute to provide loan capital black businesses in the central Florida community. The organization has grown from a small regional loan fund to Florida’s leading statewide lender that specializes in providing capital to Black, other minority and underserved businesses. Black and other minority businesses play a critical role in our economy and need support in order to create jobs.
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs. For more information, visit their website.