Author: Diana Bello Aristizabal
Para leer en Español
Starting a venture can be an exciting and rewarding path, as you must first have the right information and resources in place to be successful. The Miami-Dade Business Navigator program was created to provide a support space right on the front lines. Its goal is to assist socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with consulting, mentoring, and training.
The program is funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and was established through a $100 million grant under the U.S. Relief Plans Act of 2021 to support the Florida SBDC (Small Business Administration). benefited 51 organizations, including development centers. FIU.
The FIU SBDC, which is responsible for this initiative, brought together six organizations from the Miami-Dade community to provide comprehensive and completely free mentoring to small businesses, especially those looking to support veteran and women-owned economic prosperity. provided. As an underrated individual.
This is made possible because, as part of a total grant of $100 million, the coalition of partners that make up this program will support businesses in Miami-Dade County in three languages: Spanish, English and Creole. Because we set aside $2.50 for
“We have formed a collaborative ecosystem to break down the barriers that entrepreneurs face when building their businesses. You will learn important topics such as how to do it, how to create a business plan, how to contract with the government,” explains Jesús Padilla, FIU’s Administrative Services Manager.
According to Jesús, the value of a program like this is that the entrepreneurial path can often feel lonely because different needs arise on a daily basis, and people don’t know where to look and who to turn to. I don’t know what to do or how to solve new problems. , which is why some companies ultimately fail.
“With this, instead of meeting business people, we go to see business people. This way, not only do they grow, but new jobs are created and sales increase, so Miami Dade.” There’s an economic impact on the community, and there’s expansion into new markets and locations.It’s a win-win for everyone,” he adds.
The Miami area offers the perfect setting for its cultural diversity and proximity to the Hispanic community. What’s more, after the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, now is the right time to do business, as many businesses have found new ways to be successful.
Entrepreneurs participating in this initiative already consist of more than 600 people and hold monthly business resource fairs in various locations throughout the county. There are about 5 weekly workshops (50 so far) that contain relevant information and updates. Informative sessions and personalized consulting sessions.
“We ask each company we support about their needs, the main challenges they find in starting and maintaining a business, and their goals for the next year without language barriers.Because we can help in any of the three languages. It’s a county,” says Jesús Padilla.
The program will start at the end of 2021 and will run until November 2023. Those wishing to participate must register on the website www.miamibusinessnavigator.com. Participants are then assigned a consultant to design an action plan.
“The good thing about all this is that even after the program ends, our beneficiaries are able to develop business relationships with our affiliated organizations and continue the conversation afterwards,” concludes Jesús Padilla.
For more information, call (305) 779-9232 or email [email protected]