Proposal supports business education, professional guidance, technology readiness, mentorship and performance-based grants for Florida’s women business builders
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Independent candidate for Governor Frank Russo and his running mate, Rachel Rodriguez, today unveiled a proposed $100 million Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative to help Florida women start, strengthen and grow businesses.
In conjunction with Florida’s legislative commitment, the proposal would dedicate $100 million through Florida’s existing budgeting and appropriations process to building and expanding personal and family businesses run by women entrepreneurs, Russo said his goal is to fund the initiative by identifying government waste, improving agency management, and reprioritizing existing resources – without imposing a new tax.
“Florida does not need another government program that begins with another tax and ends without accountability,” Russo said. “The Governor cannot write the budget alone, but the Governor can establish priorities, work with the Legislature, and use the line-item veto to demand results.”
“We will examine where taxpayers’ money is going, eliminate waste, and fight to reinvest existing resources in opportunities that help Floridians build something of their own,” Russo continued.
Rodriguez, a Palm Beach attorney, 20-year litigator, working mother and business builder, said the initiative speaks directly to the challenges women face when attempting to build businesses, while supporting their families.
“Women do not need government to build their dreams for them,” Rodriguez said. “They need government to stop creating unnecessary obstacles against their fair opportunity to succeed.”
“We want to equip women with practical training, trusted guidance and access to the tools they need to build businesses, employ Floridians, and create lasting independence for their families,” Rodriguez continued.
Supporting Florida Women in Business
The proposed initiative would include:
- Business education – Practical training in starting, managing and growing a business.
- Professional support – Access to legal, accounting, business-formation and regulatory guidance.
- Technology and AI readiness – Tools and training to help women-owned businesses compete in a rapidly changing economy.
- Mentorship and capital readiness – Assistance developing business plans, strengthening financial discipline, and connecting entrepreneurs with lenders and investors.
- Performance-based grants – Grants of up to $25,000 for qualifying participants who complete approved training and meet measurable program requirements.
Russo said the initiative would include clear eligibility standards, transparent reporting, and measurable performance requirements to ensure that taxpayer resources produce meaningful results.
“This is not about handing out money without expectations,” Russo said. “It is about giving women the knowledge, tools and opportunity to build sustainable businesses – and requiring accountability for every public dollar invested.”
A Challenge to Jeff Bezos and Florida’s Business Leaders
In addition to the proposed $100 million state investment, Russo called on Florida’s most successful business leaders to help establish a privately supported fund dedicated to women’s entrepreneurship.
Russo specifically invited Amazon founder and Florida resident Jeff Bezos to join other business leaders in helping the fund attract up to $250 million in voluntary private contributions.
“Jeff Bezos built one of the most successful companies in the world, and that success is undeniable,” Russo said. “But here in Florida, I talk to small-business owners every day who are struggling to compete in the economy Amazon helped create.”
“I am inviting Mr. Bezos – and other Florida business leaders who have benefited from this economy – to help women and small-business owners across our state get a fair chance to build something of their own,” Russo continued.
Russo proposed that the private contributions be administered through an independent, publicly accountable trust governed by its own board, with safeguards ensuring that every dollar is used solely to support women’s entrepreneurship and that no dollar is redirected for unrelated government spending.
“This is about more than writing a check,” Russo said. “It is about people who have achieved extraordinary success taking responsibility and helping create the next generation of Florida entrepreneurs.”
“Government, business and communities can work together – transparently and responsibly – to give more Floridians the opportunity to succeed,” Russo continued.
Rodriguez said the initiative reflects the Russo-Rodriguez ticket’s broader commitment to expanding economic opportunity while maintaining fiscal discipline and government accountability. As an entrepreneur herself and one who has worked directly to harness women’s creative and proactive business ability even in resource-deficient situations, she is eager to see this initiative launched for Florida’s communities.
“When women build successful businesses, they create jobs, strengthen communities, and give their families greater independence,” Rodriguez said. “Florida should be the best state in the country for women who are ready to work hard, take a risk, and build something that lasts.”
About Frank J. Russo
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida’s economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit Russo2026.com.
Media Contact
Mary Elkordy
Press@russo2026.org
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SOURCE Frank J. Russo for Governor
