RESPECT Grant

RESPECT of Florida has a grant ($12,500) available to assist a person with a disability in starting or enhancing their own business. RESPECT requires that the grant be administered through a Certified Employment Center (see the list published at http://www.respectofflorida.org/category/331/Partners.html) with General and Administrative expenses not to exceed 20 percent. The terms and conditions of the grant are somewhat flexible.

The grant could support a person who could serve as a subcontractor of a Certified Employment Center for a service or product currently being performed by another entity. There will be preference for proposals that contribute value added (direct labor provided by people with disabilities) to an existing RESPECT commodity or service where something is currently outsourced as an ancillary service. In summary, the proposal could increase vertical integration in regards to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

If you are interested, you must submit the Notice of Intent by 5 PM EDT on August 19.  See this document or log into the RESPECT website for this information.

There are very specific limitations on communications as part of the PFA process.  They have not changed recently but if you are interested in bidding on this, please read the document carefully to ensure you are not disqualified for improper communications with RESPECT regarding this opportunity. 

For more information, contact Service Contracts Director John McBride at (850) 942-3550.