Doral Seeds
Plant the Seeds for Your Next Stage of Growth
$50,000 in Grant Funding Available
Program Partner
Funding Growth Partner
Deadline for submittals: 07/30/26
ABOUT DORAL SEEDS
Doral Seeds is a new business grant program designed to support local entrepreneurs and businesses ready to invest in their future. Through grant funding, business development resources, and strategic partnerships, Doral Seeds empowers businesses to expand operations, strengthen their competitive edge, and contribute to Doral's continued economic success. Selected applicants will compete for funding through a two-phase process culminating in a live Pitch Event.
HOW IT WORKS
STEP 1: ATTEND THE MANDATORY ORIENTATION
July 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Doral Cultural Arts Center
8363 NW 53rd Street, Doral, FL 33166
Learn about program requirements, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Applications must be submitted online by July 30, 2026.
Qualified applications will be reviewed and scored.
Application Review Committee: Week of August 3-7, 2026
STEP 3: BECOME A FINALIST
Selected applicants will advance to the final round and participate in a business development and pitch preparation program led by Doral Seeds partners.
SBDC Education Sessions: August 18, August 20 and August 25, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
STEP 4: PITCH YOUR BUSINESS
Demo Night Prep: August 31, 2026
Pitch Event/Demo Night: September 1, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Finalists will present their business, growth plans, and funding proposal before a review panel.
STEP 5: WIN GRANT AWARD
Grant will be awarded to the selected business following the Pitch Event.
IS DORAL SEEDS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Funding may be used for:
- Equipment and technology upgrades
- Marketing and branding initiatives
- Business expansion projects
- Operational improvements
- Workforce development and training
- Other eligible business growth investments
Subject to program guidelines.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be located within the City of Doral for a minimum of 12 months
- Hold a valid Business Tax Receipt
- Be in good standing with all applicable regulations
- Meet all program requirements and eligibility criteria
For application details and requirements please contact economicdevelopment@cityofdoral.com.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications that pass the Qualification Gate will be evaluated by an Independent Review Committee using the published Doral Seeds scoring criteria.
Preliminary Evaluation Criteria
Used to determine the Top Five finalists.
- Room for Growth: 25 maximum points
- Traction / Proof of Activity: 20 maximum points
- Creativity / Innovation: 15 maximum points
- Addresses a Real Need: 15 maximum points
- Execution & Financial Readiness: 15 maximum points
- Use of Technology / AI Leverage: 10 maximum points
Total Possible Points: 100
Demo Day Final Evaluation Criteria
Used to determine the final ranking and selection of the awardee, subject to procedural confirmation by the City.
- Q&A Performance: 20 maximum points
- Execution & Financial Readiness: 20 maximum points
- Overall Business Strength: 20 maximum points
- Pitch Clarity and Storytelling: 15 maximum points
- Milestone Credibility: 15 maximum points
- Use of Technology / AI Leverage: 10 maximum points
Total Possible Points: 100