Government
National Small Business Week
Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, launches a week of events to celebrate National Small Business Week. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. As Martin Rowinski stated writing for Forbes: “Just as enough tiny droplets of water slowly fill a bucket; the growth of small businesses fills the U.S. economy. Big corporations might get a lot of attention when it comes to creating jobs, but small businesses employ more people and are more resilient when times get tough.”
MIAMI-DADE — To celebrate National Small Business Week, May 1 to May 5, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, is partnering with local and national organizations, Miami-Dade agencies, and small business resource providers to offer an exciting, week-long calendar of events, as well as to announce programs and funding opportunities that will further strengthen the small business ecosystem in her district.
“Our small businesses are the heart and soul of our County — they shape and enhance our lives and are Miami-Dade’s true economic engine,” said Commissioner Higgins. “It’s been a priority of mine to foster the success of the small businesses in District 5 by connecting them to the right resources, provide training, and expand their ability to grow. I’m happy to launch the programs designed to make our small businesses flourish, especially during National Small Business Week.”
Track Record
Last year during National Small Business Week, Commissioner Higgins launched Elevate District 5: Small Business Recovery and Growth Program which utilizes data and feedback to create, leverage, and expand programs and tools to support and strengthen small businesses in District 5. In one year alone, Commissioner Higgins has connected with hundreds of small businesses — including over 300 which have completed our courses, joined events, or received funding.
This year, Commissioner Higgins will kick off the week by announcing the launch of District 5’s 2023 Mom & Pop Small Business Grant Program at a press conference at 11:00 am, on Monday, May 1 at Suazo’s Barbershop, 2152 NW 7th St., Miami, FL 33125. Each year, the program is tailored to address specific hardships small businesses face. In 2018, the program was activated to help businesses impacted by the construction on the West Flagler Street corridor. Since 2020, program funds have been activated for businesses impacted by the pandemic, including those that were forced to close their doors. In 2022, over 90 businesses received District 5 Mom and Pop grants to help them purchase equipment, supplies, advertising/marketing, inventory, building liability insurance, security systems, and to make minor renovations.
Schedule of Events
Monday, May 1: Mom & Pop Grant Program Kick-off Press Event
Commissioner Higgins will host a press conference with small business owners to launch this year’s cycle of the District 5 Mom & Pop Grant Program at Suazo’s Barbershop, 2152 NW 7th St., Miami, FL 33125 at 11:00 am.
Tuesday, May 2: Mom & Pop Information Session
Commissioner Higgins will host an information session for small business owners who would like to apply for the 2023 Mom & Pop grant program on Tuesday, May 2 at 2:00pm via Zoom. Register here.
Wednesday, May 3: Marketing 101 Webinar with Miami-Dade Business Navigator
Commissioner Higgins’ Elevate District 5 and the Miami-Dade Business Navigator will be hosting a Marketing 101 Webinar on Wednesday, May 3 at 10:00 am. During the session, the experienced presenters will cover the basics of marketing, including how to define target audience and develop a marketing plan that fits within budget. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to ask questions and receive valuable insights from the presenters. Register here.
Wednesday, May 3: Small Business Celebration & Networking Event with DDA
Commissioner Higgins will host a Small Business Celebration & Networking Mixer in partnership with the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday, May 3 at 6:00 pm at 200 S Biscayne Blvd. #2929, Miami, FL 33131, for District 5 small businesses to connect with their fellow peers, resource providers, and stakeholders. Register here.
Thursday, May 4: Plastic-Free Business: A Roadmap to Sustainability Webinar
Commissioner Higgins in partnership with the Chief Bay Officer, the Division of Environmental Regulations, and Debris Free Oceans will host a free webinar on how to become a Plastic Free 305 Certified Business in Miami-Dade on Thursday, May 4 at 10:00 am. Plastic Free 305 was created through legislation sponsored by Commissioner Higgins and aims to celebrate Miami-Dade businesses dedicated to reducing or eliminating the purchase and use of single-use plastics through the adoption of sustainable replacement strategies. Register here.
Friday, May 5: Cafecito, Pastelitos, and CAPITAL Breakfast
Commissioner Eileen Higgins will be hosting an event where small business owners will have the opportunity to learn how to access capital and funding through grants and loans directly from financial institutions, community lending organizations and our community partners. The event will be on Friday, May 5, at 10:00 am at Penthouse at Riverside Wharf, 125 SW North River Dr., Miami, FL 33130. Register here.
For more information, please contact Claudia Gonzalez, Communications Specialist for Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, at SmallBusinessD5@miamidade.gov or 305–375–5924.
