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Black Business Month

National Black Business Month was created in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. to bring attention to the needs of more than two million Black-owned businesses operating across America.

Black Business Month is celebrated annually during the month of August, as a time when individuals and businesses recognize Black-owned businesses across the country.

During Black Business Month, local government officials, community leaders and venture capitalists are encouraged to focus efforts on supporting Black-owned businesses and creating a more hospitable environment in which Black-owned businesses can grow. Black businesses are essential to the people and communities they serve and operate in.

Miami-Dade County is ranked 5th in the nation for the largest number of Black-owned employer businesses, and Miami's Black consumer market is valued at $5.5 billion dollars, making it the 14th largest in the nation.

Here are other contributions made in Miami-Dade County's Black business community:
  • Comprises 51,285 of the 468,185 business firms throughout Miami-Dade County (10.95 percent)
  • Generates over $2.3 billion in annual sales, receipts, and total value of shipments
  • Employs a total of 12,227 individuals
  • Manages a combined annual payroll of over $320 million

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Services for Business Owners

Learn about preparedness, response and recovery assistance provided by federal, state and local agencies.

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Search solicitations and contracting opportunities with Miami-Dade County.

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Companies interested in relocating or expanding in Miami-Dade County can qualify for tax incentive programs in economic development areas.

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Pay your Local Business Tax

Apply for or renew your local business tax receipt, or request a change to your existing account.

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Business owner standing outside coffee shop.

Small business owners can apply for funding to enhance any aspect of their company.

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Business owners can get help with tools to foster economic growth in Targeted Urban Areas.

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County Resources

The advisory board advocates for the social, economic, political and educational needs of the community.

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The trust works to ensure the equitable participation of the Black community in Miami-Dade County's economic growth.

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Strive 305 is designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses countywide and support budding entrepreneurs.

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As providers of goods and services, vendors represent key stakeholders in the success of the County’s procurement processes. Learn more at upcoming workshops.

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During the month of August, attend a Black-owned event or workshop. Access a variety of resources, services, events and more for business owners.

Qualified business owners can apply for a Business Resource and Education grant valued at $2,500 per business. Deadline to apply is Aug. 14.

Plastic Free 305 logo

Businesses in Miami-Dade County can now participate in Plastic Free 305, a new voluntary program for businesses committed to reducing and eliminating single-use plastics from their day-to-day operations.

small business owner in front of flower shop and middle-aged couple outside in front of their home

The Small Business and Homeowner Assistance Team helps you to navigate the permitting process at no additional cost.

Solar panels on the roof of a house

Residents and small businesses in Miami-Dade County are eligible to join a solar co-op to be a part of the growing solar movement.

The RISE Fund supports diverse small businesses in Miami-Dade County.

About Us

Following the riots that erupted in 1980 after white officers were acquitted for the death of Arthur McDuffie, the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County collaborated to create Metro-Miami Action Plan (MMAP) in 1983 as a solution to socioeconomic disparities in employment, economic development, education, housing, health and human services and criminal justice. In 1992, MMAP was further empowered by becoming a trust, and in September 2009 it was reorganized into MDEAT by ordinance 09-70.

Since its inception, MDEAT’s focus has been on addressing socioeconomic disparities within the Black community. MDEAT does so by focusing on the individual (i.e., youth and individual family member support), building neighborhoods through the expansion of homeownership, and supporting the foundation of strong Black businesses and economic development via job creation, entrepreneurship, business retention, and expansion. These three gears - family, neighborhood, and business - work together to connect the Black community to resources, funding, and programming that together create whole communities.