Goodwill SWFL receives $12,500 grant to support The MicroEnterprise Institute. 05/22/2026 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.

By: Goodwill Industries of Southwest FloridaContactDebra Donatto, Director of Communications and Marketing***@goodwillswfl.org Debra Donatto, Director of Communications and MarketingEnd-- The League Club awarded $30,000 to support Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida's Mobile Community Resource Center. The Mobile Resource Center travels to communities where transportation would otherwise be a barrier to receiving training and services."Goodwill Industries Southwest Florida mission staff and leadership are so appreciative of the 2025 support from The League Club. This gift helps to fund our Mobile Community Resource Coordinators who provide employability workshops, computer training, and wrap around services to our neighbors in Collier and Lee Counties," states Angela Hemstreet, Goodwill's Director of Employment Services. "Thank you, League Club members, for your continued support of Goodwill Southwest Florida's mission!"The League Club has selected and awarded grants to 34 area nonprofit organizations totaling $762,412. The amount awarded this year is an $80,000 increase over 2024. For the past 38 years, The League Club has provided over $8 million in grants to 222 nonprofit organizations in Collier and Lee counties supporting children, families, the elderly and veterans.Funding for these grants come from the TLC's Community Trust Fund