FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Goodwill Southwest Florida (Goodwill SWFL) is proud to announce 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."

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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.

This program was financially assisted by the Fifth Third Foundation

Disclaimer: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Fifth Third Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee.

About Goodwill Southwest Florida

Goodwill Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization that is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.  They have been providing services to people with disabilities and disadvantages since 1966 in five counties of Southwest Florida: Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades & Hendry counties. For more information on how Goodwill SWFL positively impacts the community, visit https://goodwillswfl.org/.

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