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Sister County Commissions
Sister County Commissions

Florentine Young Entrepreneurs Technology Grant

The County of Santa Clara and the Metropolitan City of Florence have a sister county relationship that promotes exchange of art, commerce, culture, education, and technology.

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Learn more about the Florentine Young Entrepreneurs Technology Grant, eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Apply for the grant

About the grant

The County of Santa Clara and the Metropolitan City of Florence have a Sister County relationship that promotes exchange of art, commerce, culture, education, and technology. The Commission is offering grants to young entrepreneurs who participate in recognized incubator or accelerator programs located in Santa Clara County. 

The Commission may approve grants toward the participation in the program, of one or more participants, depending on applicant’s qualification and goals highlighted in his/her application package. The grant is dispersed in one increment, and it will be awarded after submission of a letter of completion of the program to the Commission.

Additionally, TVLP Institute Silicon Valley will match dollar-for-dollar the County of Santa Clara/Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy Sister County Commission Technology Grant for one or more successful applicant(s) who will attend a TVLP Institute one-week immersive program. 

Amount awarded: 1 (one) recipient: $2,000 or 2 (two) recipients: $1,000 each

Applicant eligibility

  • Applicant must be at least 21 years old. 
  • Applicant must be a resident of the Metropolitan City of Florence for at least six months while studying at a university in Florence or reside in Florence for at least six continuous months immediately prior to applying for this grant. If selected, applicant will be asked to provide a copy of a ‘certificato di residenza’ to prove residency. 
  • Applicant must participate in an incubator or accelerator program with a registered office in Santa Clara County, Calif. If selected, applicant will be asked to provide a copy of an official letter of acceptance from the program. 
  • Applicant must successfully complete the program. A letter attesting successful completion of the program will be required. 
  • Recipient of the Florentine Young Entrepreneurs Technology Grant is expected to promote cross-cultural awareness and relationship building opportunities in Santa Clara County and contribute to the promotion of its mission upon returning to Florence, Italy. To learn more its mission, visit the Florence, Italy Sister County Commission home page.

How to apply

  • Complete the application​​ cover letter
  • Submit a video grant application (see instructions on page 5 of application)
  • Submit a statement of purpose (no more than one page, double-spaced)
  • Submit a resume. Please attach your resume as a PDF with file name in the following format: Firstname_Lastname.PDF
  • Submit a letter of recommendation using the form provided (see page 6 of application). Recommendation does not need to accompany the grant application; however, it is subject to the same deadline. The person should indicate how they know the applicant and provide details about how the grant would help the applicant. 

Submit application

Application cover letter, video link, statement of purpose, CV and letter of recommendation must be submitted electronically to [email protected] (if applicant will participate in an incubator program with TVLP) or [email protected] (all other applicants).​

Donations and matching grants

The Commission welcomes donations and matching grants from businesses, organizations, and members of the community who share the Commission’s goal. 

If you would like to help the Commission promote diversity, equality and intercultural understanding through the exchange of technology, education, civic engagement and culture between the two regions, you can reach us at: [email protected].