Welcome to GTE Financial
Official Credit Union of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Named America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions-Newsweek 2024
Apply for a $5,000 Business Ambassador Awards Grant!
Serving over 240,000 members in Tampa Bay since 1935, GTE Financial is a local credit union focused on providing financial solutions, personal service and exceptional value for families and small businesses. GTE is passionate about giving back and ensuring our 500+ employees enjoy a best-in-class work experience. Over the past 10 years, GTE has donated $5.5 Million back into the community; we have also been named TBBJ Best Places to Work and TBT Top Places to Work, based on employee surveys for over 9 years.
Are you doing incredible things in the community and for your team members?
We want to recognize you! Apply for a Grant today!
In 2025, GTE Financial will be awarding two $5,000 Business Ambassador Grants.
Deadline for entry is July 1, 2025.
Please be on the lookout for important updates to the email address submitted. If you have questions, please contact BusinessGrants@gtefinancial.org.
Give more benefits to your employees for free!
As an employer that cares, learn more about FREE Financial Services for your staff. GTE partners with local Businesses and Non-Profits to extend membership and additional benefits to employees, at no additional cost. Learn more about our Community Partner Program at CommunityEngagement@gtefinancial.org or contact us at 813.871.2690 or toll-free 1.888.871.2690 ext. 44601.
Business banking done with care – Local & Responsive
As a small business owner, we realize time is precious, time is limited, and expenses are getting more expensive. While personal service gets thrown around a lot, GTE Financial is truly about ‘old school’ attention to detail, follow-through, getting to know you and being there when you need us. We offer everything the big banks do, but with local care, access, and urgency, focused on you.
Meet the 2024 grant winners
Dr. Traci's House
Dr. Traci's house strives to be a national innovative partner promoting holistic health and sustainability in and for local communities. The mission is to holistically revitalize communities to achieve health equity and wellness so everyone can live their best life.
Wakesurf Tampa
The Wakesurf Tampa mission is to spread the passion of watersports to as many people as possible, while fostering an environment for guests to make lifelong memories with the people they lobe. They give back by sponsoring kids summer camps and partner with local schools to complement lesson plans and will also conduct developmental exercises.
Meet the 2024 partnership champion
Ken Hughes - CNK Realty
Ken is a 20 year veteran of the commercial real estate industry and has represented everything from fortune 500 companies to locally owned and operated small business ventures. Ken has been a valued partner of GTE Financial and is dedicated to accelerating business growth in the Tampa Bay community.
FAQs
Yes. In order to be considered to win a grant, the person completing the form must be a current employee or owner of the nominated company and meet eligibility criteria in the Grant Application Official Rules & Disclosure.
You do not need to be a GTE Financial member when you apply for a grant; however, if you are selected as a winner of the $5,000 grant, membership will be required for fulfillment, which includes credit approval and an initial $5 member owner share deposit.
An independent group of judges will select the two (2) grant recipients, to each receive a $5,000 award. The judges will primarily review applications based on the answers to these 2 questions:
1) How do you provide an exceptional experience for your employees?
2) How do you give back in the community?
The deadline is July 1, 2025 at 11:59pm.
Yes. Your company will need to be represented at the event to win. Each finalist will receive complimentary tickets to attend.
GTE Headquarters: 711 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa, FL 33602 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. More details will be provided to the Finalists.
There will be up to 15 finalists.
Finalists will be determined by a panel of independent judges on or about August 8, 2025. Companies will be notified shortly after using the contact information supplied in the grant application.
Yes. GTE Financial will look to market and spotlight finalists and winners to members and the local community.
Yes. Please read the Grant Application Official Rules & Disclosure before applying.
Official Rules & Disclosure
To be eligible for the 2025 GTE Financial Business Ambassador Award Grant, applicants must be a current employee or owner of the business being nominated, the business must be located and registered in the State of Florida, and all applicants must be over the age of 18. Other qualifications may be added as necessary. While GTE Financial membership is not required to apply, winners must become members to receive the $5,000 grant, which includes account opening approval and a $5 member owner share deposit. Up to 15 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges based on how the applying businesses provide exceptional employee experiences and give back to the community. Two (2) winners will each receive a $5,000 grant, announced at the Business Ambassador Event on September 10, 2025, at GTE Financial Headquarters in Tampa. Finalists must be present at the event to be eligible to win. One business will also be recognized as GTE Financial Business Banking’s Partnership Champion award at the event on September 10, 2025. All entries must be submitted in one session by July 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. To apply visit https://www.gtefinancial.org/businessgrant, and complete the application in its entirety. By submitting an application, applicants agree to the use of their business name and submission content for promotional and marketing purposes without compensation. If you have questions, please contact BusinessGrants@gtefinancial.org.
By applying to and participating in GTE’s Business Award Grant Program, all applicants agree that GTE its officers, directors, employees and affiliates shall not be liable for any damages or loss, injuries or claims of any kind arising out of or in connection with participation in this grant process or any award granted.
Any disputes arising from or related to this grant shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of JAMS. The arbitration will take place in Hillsborough County, Florida and the parties agree to waive any right to a jury trial in connection with any such dispute.