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The Opportunities For All (OFA) program is a two part program. Designed to serve as a help desk/navigator for small and minority-owned businesses to help business grow as well as assist with pairing interns with local companies in the Sarasota/Manatee region.
Small grants and funding will be available to help these small businesses grow and thrive in the community. This initiative is funded by a grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. |
Summer internship Program
The Opportunities For All (OFA) Summer Internship program provides a win-win opportunity for local employers to have a diverse intern for the summer. Providing bright, talented, future leaders with the opportunity to broaden their exposure to the professional work world not only benefits employers, it contributes to the overall growth of the community and economy. Employers of interns through the OFA program are fully funded for their participation. This past summer, the OFA Summer Internship program successfully matched 30 skilled interns with 19 local employers, resulting in five interns being offered and accepting permanent positions within their respective organizations. Applications for the program are closed for this cycle.
For more information, please reach out to [email protected].
The Business Assistance Funds Program
The Business Assistance Funds Program is designed to assist minority small business owners and non-profit organizations with resources that will help our local businesses grow and thrive. Last year, 45 minority businesses were awarded $100,000 in grant funding.
To be eligible, small businesses must be at least 51% ethnic minority owned and provide services or products in the Sarasota/Manatee region.
The enrollment window for this year's OFA Business Assistance will be opening on August 24, 2024. Applications must be submitted by midnight on September 30, 2024. An independent selection committee will evaluate the applications and select recipients, which will then be announced early November.
To be eligible, small businesses must be at least 51% ethnic minority owned and provide services or products in the Sarasota/Manatee region.
The enrollment window for this year's OFA Business Assistance will be opening on August 24, 2024. Applications must be submitted by midnight on September 30, 2024. An independent selection committee will evaluate the applications and select recipients, which will then be announced early November.
Need help with your business plan? Contact [email protected] for assistance and resources.
Please see below for last year's grant recipients:
AGA Tax and Consulting Services LLC
Bia Candle Co
Brave Hearts Foundation, Inc
Castle Concierge
Creative Arts Academy
Dapper Bowtique LLC
Drummerboy Entertainment LLC
Extraordinary Eventz LLC
FUNducation, Inc
Her Beauty Lounge LLC
Herrera Psychology
Little Medical School Suncoast
Making An Impact, Inc
Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services Inc
Scorpion King Charter/Pinch n Pinch Blue Crabs and Seafood
Settles Stump Grinding & Tree Service LLC
Sous Tech LLC
The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Inc
Williams Solid Solutions LLC
Yummy Allergy Friendly Bakery
AGA Tax and Consulting Services LLC
Bia Candle Co
Brave Hearts Foundation, Inc
Castle Concierge
Creative Arts Academy
Dapper Bowtique LLC
Drummerboy Entertainment LLC
Extraordinary Eventz LLC
FUNducation, Inc
Her Beauty Lounge LLC
Herrera Psychology
Little Medical School Suncoast
Making An Impact, Inc
Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services Inc
Scorpion King Charter/Pinch n Pinch Blue Crabs and Seafood
Settles Stump Grinding & Tree Service LLC
Sous Tech LLC
The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Inc
Williams Solid Solutions LLC
Yummy Allergy Friendly Bakery
2022 Highlights!
For information or questions, please contact Melanie Lavender, Opportunities For All Manager
2022 Opportunities For All Business Assistance Grants Reception!
thank you to our sponsors and partners
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The Opportunities For All Program is made possible thanks to the support of long-time supporter of the Chamber, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.
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