Goodwill SWFL receives $12,500 grant to support The MicroEnterprise Institute

Goodwill Southwest Florida announces it has received a $12,500 grant from the Fifth Third Foundation in support of its Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute.

The MicroEnterprise Institute is a key mission program of Goodwill SWFL, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. The program provides training and support to individuals who are often in low-to-moderate income brackets or face barriers such as unemployment or underemployment.

Funding from this one-year grant will help expand access to small business development services, including training, mentorship, and resources that empower participants to launch and grow sustainable businesses, fostering economic mobility and self-sufficiency throughout Southwest Florida.

“We are grateful to the Fifth Third Foundation for their investment in The MicroEnterprise Institute and the individuals we serve,” said Sandra Plazas, Goodwill SWFL’s Director of Community Education. “This funding allows us to continue equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build successful small businesses and strengthen our local economy.”

The MicroEnterprise Institute offers a structured curriculum focused on business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and operational strategies, helping participants turn their ideas into viable business ventures.