Does your South Florida business need money? Here’s a way to get a grant

If you’re a South Florida food industry entrepreneur, a national grant program from banking company Santander can help. Applications are open for the 13th cohort of Santander’s Cultivate Small Business program, which offers training and money.

The purpose of the Cultivate Small Business program is to help new food entrepreneurs from underserved backgrounds build sustainable businesses. Over 12 weeks from March 26 to June 11, participants in the online program will study MBA-level coursework, and gain access to industry experts and grant funding.

Program graduates will receive up to $20,000 in grant money. More than 900 program participants have received a combined $600,000 in grant money since 2017.

Requirements for a business grant

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the follow requirements:

• The business must be in a food-related industry including retail (full- or limited-service restaurants, food trucks), processing, technology, manufacturing and food services.

• Must have earned $25,000 to $1 million in 2025.

• Must have operated for at least one year.

• Have between 1 and 10 full-time employees (including the business owner).

• Program participants must live in or represent a business located in low-to-moderate income area.

Application deadline

Business people selected will get a grant. The business cohorts have 80 to 90 people.

The deadline to apply for the program is 11:59 p.m. Feb. 2. Entrepreneurs can apply online at app.santanderx.com/calls/csb13

Michael Butler

Miami Herald

Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.