FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Goodwill Southwest Florida (Goodwill SWFL) announced it has received a $10,000 grant from Bank of America to support its MicroEnterprise Institute, a program dedicated to helping individuals with limited means launch and grow their own businesses.

More than 15% of Southwest Floridians live in poverty, according to United Way's 2024 ALICE Report, which also highlights the challenges faced by the working poor, many of whom aspire to business ownership but lack access to the resources and expertise needed to succeed. Goodwill SWFL's MicroEnterprise Institute helps bridge this gap by providing equitable access to education, mentorship, and tools necessary to turn business ideas into thriving micro-enterprises.

"This generous support from Bank of America will empower aspiring entrepreneurs in our community to build sustainable businesses and achieve greater self-sufficiency," said Sandra Plazas, Goodwill SWFL's Director of Community Education. "By investing in individuals, we're strengthening families and contributing to the local economy."

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The MicroEnterprise Institute provides a 36-hour intensive course completed by aspiring entrepreneurs in six weeks to discover if their business idea is feasible (i.e., can make money). Participants learn directly from industry experts in banking, marketing, legal matters, and more. Once they complete this course, individuals are one step closer to launching their own small business. Graduates continue to receive support from mentors as they launch or strengthen their ventures.

From 2010 to date, The MicroEnterprise Institute has graduated more than 1,200 participants, most of whom fall within low-to-moderate income HUD categories (approx. 75%), and who have created more than 700 new or sustained small businesses.

The Bank of America grant will help cover program costs for up to 10 cohorts throughout Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties as well as one virtual offering. This funding will allow Goodwill SWFL to serve an additional 100–120 participants while also providing annual workshops and continued support for more than 1,200 alumni.

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"We support Goodwill SWFL's mission to help strengthen the community and empower individuals through life-changing programs," said Julie Schmelzle, President, Bank of America Southwest Florida. "This investment reflects our commitment to creating economic opportunity and supporting small businesses across Southwest Florida, which we've served for more than 100 years."

Goodwill SWFL's commitment to economic empowerment continues to garner recognition, including the 2025 Economic Empowerment Award from the Cape Coral Community Foundation for its efforts in promoting financial literacy, job readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Bank of America's philanthropic investment reinforces the importance of community partnerships in addressing economic challenges and expanding opportunities for underserved populations.

For more information about The MicroEnterprise Institute or Goodwill SWFL programs, visit https://goodwillswfl.org/services/small-business-development/.