Miami-Dade ranked #1 in nation for small business growth

Miami-Dade County is officially the nation’s top destination for small business growth. A new report by Clarify Capital, highlighted by the Miami Herald, ranked Miami-Dade #1 county in the United States for small business applications, with nearly 4,900 new business applications per 100,000 residents filed last year. 

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava celebrated the milestone, elevating her administration’s bold investments in entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development – including her signature Strive305 program – and their impact in this ranking. 

“Miami-Dade is the nation’s leader in small business creation because we are investing in the people and ideas that drive our economy forward,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Through initiatives like Strive305 and our broader economic development efforts, we’re making sure that every entrepreneur – from our startup founders to our neighborhood mom-and-pop shops – has the resources, training, and support to thrive here in Miami-Dade.” 

Since taking office, Mayor Levine Cava has championed an economy built on innovation and inclusion by:  

• Launching Strive305 in 2021, now supporting more than 75,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women and minority-owned businesses 

• Expanding access to capital and technical assistance so small businesses can launch and scale 

• Investing in digital tools and e-commerce platforms so small businesses can compete in a global marketplace 

•  Providing free workforce training, workshops, and mentorship to thousands of entrepreneurs 

• Creating new resource centers across the county to connect entrepreneurs with services and mentorship  

• Making historic investments in infrastructure, housing, and transit, which create opportunities for small contractors and local suppliers to grow alongside Miami-Dade’s economy 

Since its launch, Strive305 has supported more than 75,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women and minority-owned businesses, reflecting the diversity and creativity of Miami-Dade.  

Mayor Levine Cava emphasized that while new business applications are a positive sign, the County is equally focused on long-term sustainability and growth.  “It’s not just about starting a business – it’s about building a business that lasts,” said Levine Cava. “That’s why we’re working every day to ensure our entrepreneurs can succeed for years to come.” 

With Broward County also ranking in the top three nationally, the new study underscores that South Florida is a national hub for entrepreneurship, offering unmatched opportunity for innovation, creativity, and economic growth. 

For more information about Strive305 and resources available to small businesses, visit www.miamidade.gov/strive305.