The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced last week that it is accepting economic development project proposals for more than $74 million in Florida Job Growth Grant Funds.
The grants will assist communities in funding workforce training and public infrastructure projects to support growth and employment in Florida.
The 2019-2020 state budget has $24 million still available for the Job Growth Grant Funds, and an additional $50 million was included in the 2021-2022 General Appropriations Act. The state budget is expected to be signed in the coming weeks. Once signed, there will be a combined total of more than $74 million available for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.
“Infrastructure projects and workforce training are vital to the state’s economic growth and resiliency,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis last week. “These new funds are made available through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, which will help Florida communities ensure they are resilient, prepared for all economic possibilities, and achieve their economic goals.”
DEO will provide funding for projects that focus on rapidly developing a highly-skilled workforce and on infrastructure initiatives that attract businesses, create jobs, and promote economic growth.
“Governor DeSantis is committed to enhancing Florida’s infrastructure and workforce training opportunities throughout our state,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Sec. Dane Eagle. “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund enables smart and strategic investments in Florida communities, and we are excited to work with them to improve quality of life and support economic growth.”
“On a daily basis, Governor DeSantis is putting Florida first and the Job Growth Grant Fund helps make that vision a reality,” said Florida Commerce Sec. Jamal Sowell, the president and CEO of Enterprise Florida. “This funding will empower our communities, position Florida for next-level opportunities and put Floridians into good-paying jobs.”
DEO will begin accepting proposals for workforce training and infrastructure projects immediately and will continue to accept proposals until all funds have been awarded. If applicants have submitted a proposal previously, they are encouraged to resubmit a current proposal.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and chosen by the governor to meet the demand for workforce or infrastructure needs in the community they are awarded to.
Workforce training projects will provide Floridians with transferable, sustainable workforce skills applicable to more than a single employer, and for equipment associated with these programs.
Public infrastructure projects can include transportation and utilities needed to support economic development.
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