MULTICULTURAL MIAMI

RESOURCES, GRANTS AND LOANS

City of Doral Vendor & Business Fair

The City of Doral wants to do business with local vendors! Join us at the Doral Cultural Arts Center on February 8 for an exciting day of networking and collaboration at the Doral Vendor and Business Fair. This event provides an opportunity for vendors to learn how to register and do business with the City, as well as foster connections with City departments and promote local economic growth. Participants will enjoy informative presentations from key City staff that will highlight topics including grants, sponsorships, how to register as a City vendor, and much more. Click here for more information.

Miami Arts Marketing Project 2024 Lineup

Miami Arts Marketing Project is a high-impact series curated for the arts and creative ecosystem that provides the discovery of the latest trends in marketing, innovation and exploration of impactful partnerships and new audiences. As the arts comeback intensifies your organization needs tactics, tips and inspiration to reach new audiences, engage your patrons and connect with new sponsors. Join us to amplify your marketing, outreach, and fundraising. Click here here for the lineup.

Biz To Biz Networking at American Social Brickell Miami

If you're seeking to broaden your business connections, a Biz To Biz Networking event offers a chance to expand your network in a enjoyable setting. All are welcome to attend, from small to large companies. The objective of Biz to Biz Networking is to establish an optimal environment for networking throughout South Florida. Join them on February 8 at American Social Brickell and discover firsthand what the excitement is all about with these weekly networking events. Click here for more details and to register.

Mayor's Strive305 Small Business Expo

Seeking advice on launching or enhancing your business? Propel the growth of your small enterprise through a day of education and networking with fellow entrepreneurs, professionals, and resource providers. Subjects being addressed include business incorporation, legal services, funding sources and startup capital, just to name a few. Join us at the Miami-Dade Public Library's Main Library on February 10 for this workshop by Strive305 Small Business Initiative, a program of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Click here to register as it is required.

Financial Readiness: Getting You and Your Business Paperwork Ready

Explore the fundamental aspects of financial preparedness in a specialized workshop designed for entrepreneurs. Acquire the skills to organize your business documentation effectively for prosperous grant and loan submissions. Understand the crucial paperwork required, including various financial statements, budget forecasts, and other essential documents. Develop the assurance to maneuver the financial terrain confidently and strategically position your business to secure the necessary funding for success. Click here for more details and to register for this Zoom call on February 20.

The Mayor’s Career & Job Fair

Join the Miami-Dade county Family! Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Human resources Department and CareerSource South Florida invite you to attend the Mayor’s Career & Job Fair on February 21 at the Newman Alumni Center at the University of Miami. Learn more here.

4th Annual Miami Black College Expo

Join us for the 4th Annual Miami Black College Expo at Florida Memorial University on February 24! This exciting in-person event unites students, parents, and college representatives. Engage with over fifty colleges, including trade, private, public, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs.) Discover your ideal school, connect with admissions representatives, and explore scholarship opportunities. You even have the chance to receive on-the-spot acceptance, so remember to bring multiple copies of your transcripts. Prepare for a day filled with insightful workshops, inspiring speakers, and interactive exhibits. For more details, click here.

The National Endowment for the Arts 2024 Grant Opportunities

Guidelines and application materials for Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) and Challenge America funding are now available on the National Endowment for the Arts’ website. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) supports projects in any part of the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. jurisdictions. The NEA encourages activities that rebuild the creative economy and educate the next generation, unite and heal the nation through the arts, and serve the nation’s arts field.

The BOSS Impact Fund

The BOSS Impact Fund is a program by The BOSS Network, that focuses on investing in Black women led businesses and preparing these entrepreneurs to build scalable, growth aggressive companies. The BOSS Network has been committed to supporting Black women in business for over a decade, with resources to help them grow and access to a community of like-minded women. Apply by February 24. For more details and to apply, click here.

American Black Film Festival Submissions Are Now Open!

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is back! They are now accepting film submissions. Submit your Narrative Features, Documentaries, and Web Series. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Deadline is February 28. Click here for details. The 28th Annual American Black Film Festival returns to Miami Beach, June 12-16. .

New Program at FIU Business Will Improve Enterprise Opportunities in Miami-Dade’s 27th Congressional District

The Business Growth and Acceleration Program (BizGap) was officially launched for small businesses situated in Florida’s 27th congressional district. Funded through a $650,000 Community Project grant from the United States Small Business Administration to the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida International University Business, BizGap aims to support over one thousand small businesses within the coming year. District 27 encompasses downtown Miami, Little Havana, Coral Gables, as well as Westchester, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay. The primary focus of BizGap is to engage with small business owners within the community, offering them guidance, resources, and partnerships essential for initiating and expanding their businesses. Click here to learn what the program includes.

Must-Know Resources for Miami-Dade County's Small Business Owners

Have you heard of Axis Helps and STRIVE305? These are two of the most important resources available to small business owners located in Miami-Dade County. Together, they can answer your questions, connect you with resources, and make sure that your business has the tools needed to survive and thrive.

Small Business Digital Readiness Program

The Small Business Digital Readiness Program helps small business owners succeed in a digital world with a free online curriculum and includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources to support your small business. Registrants take two courses to be eligible for a $10,000 grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis here.

Small Business Meet-Up - Virtual

With the rapid pace of things changing for Small Businesses, you are invited to join the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce for your chance to meet other business owners, talk strategy, and get the latest on resources for small businesses. Virtual meetings take place every Tuesday. Click here to register.

Freed Fellowship Grant

The Freed Fellowship Grant offers a monthly $500 prize, business feedback, and a two-month free membership in the Freed Studio – a community of ambitious business owners – to qualifying business owners. Applicants are also eligible for an end-of-year grant of $2,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Click here to read more and apply..

Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program

Offered by the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx, with additional support from Allstate, this program guides any interested small business in preparing for a disaster. Quick-turn relief funding of $5,000 will be available for those prepared businesses after a federal disaster declaration is made in their region. Learn more, participate, and apply here.

Business Entrepreneurship Specialist - College Credit Certificate by Miami Dade College

The Business Entrepreneurship Specialist College Credit Certificate is designed to prepare students for employment in entry-level positions or opening their own business or venture in the following areas: Family-Owned Business, Start-Up Venture, and Social Venture. Students may select one of the 3 options, but the certificate is awarded only once. To learn more visit Start-Up Entrepreneurship.

United States Department of Education Grants

The United States Department of Education has various grants available to small businesses in the education sector, each with a unique eligibility criteria, with some opportunities set aside for public schools, state agencies, or nonprofit organizations. Click here for more information and application deadlines.

Small Business Assistance

The Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States (CAMACOL) and the Minority Business Development Agency Florida Programs, Puerto Rico and United States Virgin Islands, operated by M. Gill & Associates, are joining forces to help small and minority businesses grow. They will be providing free technical support and general business advice in person every Tuesday from 10-3. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact them by phone at 786-515-0670 or email.

AI for Marketing and Sales Master Course

STRIVE305 partner BizHack Academy has released an extensive AI for Marketing and Sales Online Master Course to teach small business how to tap the power of these new tools. Though the class is priced at $497, STRIVE305 clients can access the entire contents of the course for FREE with coupon code: strive305. The course examines how small businesses can take advantage of the latest AI tools and avoid being left behind as this game-changing technology shakes up the world of content creation.

New Heights District 5 Microloan Fund

Elevate District 5 encourages you to apply for a low-interest loan of up to $10,000 for your small business. These funds can be used for working capital, refinancing of predatory debt, purchasing of inventory or business equipment, or to remodel/renovate a location or storefront. Click here to complete an interest form.

About Florida’s Small Business Development Center

We are the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. We are SBDC. As the largest network of small business consultants in Florida, the Florida SBDC provides access to no-cost consulting, affordable and high-quality resources, innovative tools, and the knowledge of experienced small business experts. Our business is helping your business to launch, grow and thrive. Click here to learn more.

RISE Miami-Dade Small Business Loan

Miami-Dade County is a place of great entrepreneurial spirit and great opportunities for continued economic growth. With RISE, Miami-Dade County will continue to be a leader in successful minority-run businesses, continue to be a county of opportunity for all, and a county that prioritizes investing in its small business economy. This fund’s goal is to create a highway of access to capital for Miami-Dade County’s small business ecosystem by providing loans directly to low and moderate, minority and women-owned small businesses. Click here to find out if your business qualifies for this loan.

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Free Counseling Program for Entrepreneurs

The business advisors at United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Navigates Small Business provide support to help your business thrive, with guidance on establishing a business, business finances, funding and access to capital, marketing and branding, growing a team, government contracting, public and corporate supply chains and procurement, and minority certification. Learn more here.

Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust Minority Small Black Business $10,000 Grant

Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) announced the availability of grants through its Minority Small Black Business Capitalization Program for small to medium minority businesses in Miami-Dade County in the amount of $10,000 to improve or stabilize neighborhood businesses throughout Miami-Dade County. For more information, contact Robert Parson, Economic Development Manager, at 305-375-5610, Robert.Parson2@MiamiDade.gov or download the application here.

Hacker Nation at StartUP FIU

Hacker Nation at StartUP FIU is a group dedicated to creating an open learning environment where people can share new topics, ideas, and knowledge, or ask for certain areas of expertise that are not yet available in schools/universities/online. Any student, researcher, or explorer, who wants to challenge their thinking is welcome, regardless of the major or previous level of expertise. Held every Wednesday at 11:30 am at StartUP FIU via Zoom.

The North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency Business Assistance Program

Learn more about our Beautification and Enhancement Grants offered by the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency! This program offers up to $25,000 with no match requirement, to eligible commercial property owners or business operators for improvements to the exterior and/or interior of the building. To learn more email cragrants@northmiamifl.gov.

Florida MBDA Export Academy

Interested in selling your products abroad but are new-to-export and new-to-global markets. This online platform is designed for you, with an on-demand, 12-module certificate course for new-to-export companies. Click here to learn more.

⁠US Citizenship & Immigration Services Job Information Session

Join the USCIS for their monthly virtual job information session for Miami and the Caribbean District. They are currently hiring for various Immigration Services positions and Operation Support Specialists. This meeting occurs on the third Thursday of every month at noon. Click here to join the meeting.

Google Career Certificates

Jump-start your career with free access to a Google Career Certificate. Prepare for entry-level jobs in data analytics, IT support, project management, or user experience design – no college degree or relevant experience required. Explore the Grow with Google program at grow.google/certificates. CareerSource South Florida offers scholarships for free access to the Google Career Certificate. To find out if you qualify register here.

Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Grant Guidelines

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs has released guidelines and deadline schedules for the 2023-2024 spring cycle of arts and cultural grants programs available to Miami-Dade County based non-profit cultural groups. Guidelines containing information regarding eligibility requirements, funding requests and program criteria can be downloaded here. Grant guidelines can also be requested by calling the Department of Cultural Affairs at (305) 375-4634, or via email at culture@miamidade.gov.

Get Help to Grow Your Business at NO Cost!!

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses provides business education, support services and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants gain practical skill to take their business to the next level, with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing. Participants develop an actionable growth plan for their business with the help of advisors and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. The program is free for participants and delivered in partnership with academic institutions across the country. To date the program has served over 10,000 businesses in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. To learn more click here.

SBA Loans

Start or expand your business with loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Use Lender Match to find lenders that offer loans for your business. To get matched to potential offering SBA-backed funding click here.

South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) promotes the continued growth and development of the Hispanic business community and serves as a resource center and forum to advocate for Hispanic and Minority owned businesses. The organization is comprised of dedicated professional individuals and business owners who have come together to advance the commercial, financial, educational and civic interests of the ever-growing Hispanic Community of South Florida. To learn more visit SFLHCC.

Beacon Council - Business Assistance

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, a public-private partnership, is the official economic development organization for Miami-Dade County. As Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership, The Beacon Council facilitates local, national and international business growth and expansion programs, helping companies of all sizes in diverse industries achieve their goals.

CAMACOL - Latin Chamber of Commerce of the USA

One of the largest and oldest Hispanic business organizations in Florida and one of the most influential minority business groups in the U.S. For more than four decades, their mission has been to foster the entrepreneurial spirit of Florida’s Hispanic and minority communities, and as such, it conducts programs to strengthen local business activity, promote economic development, facilitate international commerce, and serve the civic needs of the community. Through its Hemispheric Congress, CAMACOL provides businesses with the opportunity to establish commercial linkages in the international marketplace.

CareerSource South Florida

CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board. Our partners include the Department of Economic Opportunity, 24 local workforce development boards and 100 career centers throughout Florida. Together, we help connect businesses with the talented workforce and training needed to succeed and grow. To learn more visit CareerSource South Florida.

Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce

The Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce has business resources available to include the Micro Loan program. The mission of M-DCC is to create opportunities for economic and social transformation in our community. Please visit their website for more information.