Commissioner Eileen Higgins launches a week of events to celebrate National Small Business Week in District 5
District 5 Mom & Pop Grant Program applications to open on May 2
MIAMI-DADE – To celebrate National Small Business Week, from May 2 to May 6, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, is partnering with local and national organizations, Miami-Dade County departments, and small business resource providers to offer an exciting, week-long calendar of events, as well as to announce new 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 for me to foster the success of the small businesses we already have in our community by connecting them to the right resources, providing training, and expanding their ability to grow. I’m happy to launch the programs and funding necessary designed to make our small businesses flourish in Miami-Dade, especially during National Small Business Week.”
Commissioner Higgins will kick off the week by announcing the launch of the District 5 2022 Mom & Pop Small Business Grant Program at a press conference on Monday, May 2, 10:30 a.m., at Reebok Crossfit Miami Beach, 930 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Each year, the program is tailored to address specific hardships currently faced by small businesses. 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.
On Tuesday, May 3, Commissioner Higgins will host the official launch of her new small business initiative, Elevate District 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Tower Theater, 1508 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33135. Attendees will enjoy a special premiere of the RISE Miami-Dade documentary and a robust discussion of the state of small business in District 5 and the resources available to them.
For the full calendar events, visit ElevateDistrict5.com.
Schedule of Events
Monday, May 2: Mom & Pop Grant Program Kick-off Press Event 10:30 a.m.
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 Reebok Crossfit Miami Beach, 930 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33139. In partnership with Prospera USA, the District 5 office will be hosting a virtual information session for the Mom and Pop Grant Program in English and Spanish next Wednesday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. Learn more and register here.
Tuesday, May 3: Elevate District 5 Launch & Premiere of RISE Miami-Dade Documentary 5:30 p.m.
Commissioner Higgins will launch her new small business initiative, Elevate District 5 at the Tower Theater, 1508 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33135. Elevate District 5 is a small business recovery and growth program created by Commissioner Higgins that utilizes data and feedback to create, leverage, and expand programs and tools to support and strengthen small businesses in District 5. It is funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), President Biden's plan to provide direct relief to Americans, contain COVID-19, and rescue the economy.
At the launch, attendees will enjoy a special premiere of the RISE Miami-Dade documentary and a robust discussion of the state of small business in District 5. Funded by Miami-Dade County with legislation championed by Commissioner Higgins, RISE delivered $20 million of CARES Act funding to 900 businesses which support 4,500 families. RISE offered some of the richest data on Miami-Dade’s small businesses to date — providing a roadmap for how to strengthen the sector that is the backbone of the local economy. The report is available at https://risemiamidade.com/s/RISE-Report-2021.pdf.
Wednesday, May 4: District 5 Small Business Mixer (in collaboration with 10 Days of Connection) 6 p.m.
Commissioner Higgins will host a ‘Small Business Mixer” at Barsecco, 1421 S Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33130, for District 5 small businesses to connect with their fellow peers, resource providers, and stakeholders. This event is held as a part of 10 Days of Connection, an annual community challenge inspiring local of all backgrounds to share experiences and perspectives. Businesses interested in attending can register here.
Thursday, May 5: Webinar: “Plastic Free 305 Voluntary Certification Program” 1 p.m.
Commissioner Higgins in partnership with 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. 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 6: Workshop: “How to do Business with Miami-Dade County” 2 p.m.
Commissioner Higgins and the Strategic Procurement Division of the Internal Services Department will be hosting a virtual workshop on how to become a registered vendor and do business with Miami-Dade County. Business can register for the webinar here.
For the full calendar of events, visit here.
For more information, please contact Ana Montes, Legislative and Policy Analyst for Miami-Dade County Commissioner Higgins, at [email protected] or 305-375-5924.