The City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department is pleased to provide you with this monthly business newsletter that includes the latest information and resources available for our business community.



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Empowering Miami Beach: Ted Lucas, a beacon of success and knowledge for Black Business Month

In celebration of Black Business Month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Ted Lucas, the visionary owner of Slip-N-Slide Records. Lucas has not only built a Miami music empire but has become a champion for bridging the gap between technology and entrepreneurship. His relentless pursuit of empowering underrepresented communities through innovative initiatives has cemented his position as a trailblazer in the industry.

Lucas is revolutionizing the music scene while working to close the Black wealth gap through technology and innovation programs.

Click here to read more.

Celebrating Black Business Month

Miami-Dade County Black Business Month kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere at the highly anticipated “Support Black Owned Business 305” (BOB 305) launch on August 3, 2023.

Hosted by the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT), in collaboration with the City of Miami Beach and other community partners, the event celebrated the achievements of Black-owned businesses and fostered a sense of empowerment within the county.

Click here to read more.

North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Facade Improvement Program

The North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (“NBCRA”) is excited to announce that the Chairperson and Board of Directors of the CRA authorized creation of the North Beach CRA Commercial Façade & Residential Property Improvement Programs (“Programs). The purpose of the Programs is to assist business and property owners to improve, repair, and preserve buildings; revitalize and stimulate investment in private property; and highlight historic architecture and foster a sense of place that is attractive and welcoming to the entire community, whether visitor, resident, shopper, or merchant.

A building façade is defined as the street-facing exterior of a building. Program funding awards consist of matching grants of up to seventy percent (70%) of the cost of eligible projects, up to an amount not to exceed $20,000 per application. The funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis for expenses paid on eligible completed work within twelve (12) months. Fifty percent (50%) of the grant award is eligible to be disbursed upon satisfactory completion of fifty percent (50%) of the approved project improvements.

To be eligible for grant reimbursement, expenses must be related to improvements made to the street-facing exterior of properties, including, but not limited to:

• Restoration or rehabilitation of the buildings original and/or historic construction materials.
• Stucco and/or clapboard restoration.
• Painting.
• Windows, framing installation, glass, and/or door repair or replacement.
• Signage.
• Awnings.
• Porch replacement and/or carpentry.
• Exterior lighting installation, repair, or replacement.
• Façade or masonry renovation or repair.

The Programs are slated for a soft launch on August 28, 2023. For additional information and access to the Programs online application once it is live, please visit the North Beach CRA website here.

You may also contact the North Beach CRA by telephone at 305.673.7572 or schedule an in-person appointment at the North Beach CRA District Office located at 962 Normandy Drive (Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

Disability Pride Month

Did you know that July was Disability Pride Month? July has come to be recognized by many cities as Disability Pride Month in commemoration of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) in 1990. The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston the same year, and major cities followed to mark the ADA anniversary and continue efforts to break down barriers that still exist. Disability awareness is a part of the fabric of Miami Beach and each July we join the country in celebrating the achievements, experiences, history, and challenges of the disability community.

It is a time to support the disabled community, recognize ableism, and amplify disabled peoples’ voices as the center of public discussions. The general purpose is to positively portray the disabled community, whether this means acknowledging individual’s successes, embracing someone’s uniqueness, or encouragement, the result should be feeling pride in oneself.

While Disability Pride Month has passed, educating yourself and others about ableism and the disabled community can be done anytime. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is in October and is another opportunity to educate and empower employees, business leaders, and the community about the rich contributions of the disabled community and their wide range of needs, hopes, and dreams such as social inclusion and employment.  

BUSINESS RESOURCES

100 Startup Project Scholarship

The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center of Innovation) is pleased to announce that Memorial Healthcare System has generously donated $50,000 to kick off the Levan Center of Innovation’s 100 Start-Up Entrepreneurship Project scholarship program.

This groundbreaking initiative facilitates meaningful connections between forward-thinking sponsors and deserving entrepreneurs, granting these startups access to the transformative benefits of the Levan Center of Innovation. The 100 Startup Entrepreneurship Project supports startup and scaleup companies with a one-year scholarship providing access to the resources they need to succeed, including a dedicated community desk, entry to programs, invitations to events, utilization of wraparound services, access to potential funders, and introductions to professional networking opportunities. 

10 scholarships will be allocated to startups from underserved communities, allowing them to fully leverage the core services provided by the Levan Center of Innovation.

For more information and to apply click here.

She's Connected by AT&T

She’s Connected by AT&T is marking a 3-year milestone of showcasing inspiring women who are paving the way for the next generation. To celebrate, they want to hear your small business story!

Apply to become a part of the She’s Connected by AT&T community and for a chance to win $20,000 for your small business, along with the full support of the She’s Connected by AT&T platform.

Applications are due by August 21, 2023. To apply click here.

Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG) Program for Women of Color Business Owners

Publish Her is dedicated to providing resources to female-identifying business owners and authors. Since 2018, more than $250,000 in grants and services have been awarded to women.

Applications are now being accepted for the Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG) program for women of color business owners. With support from community partner BankCherokee, Publish Her will award a $5,000 grant to a woman of color whose business is making a difference in the lives of others and the world.

Ten qualifiers will be selected and highlighted by Publish Her and BankCherokee during the month of September, and the public will have an opportunity to vote for the winner. The grant will be awarded in celebration of National Women Business Owners month in October.

The deadline to apply is August 31, 2023. Click here to apply.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

Goldman Sachs  10,000 Small Businesses provides business education, support services and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants gain practical skill to take their business to the next level, with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing. Participants develop an actionable growth plan for their business with the help of advisors and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

• 12-week program focused on business growth
• Best-in-class curriculum
• Network of fellow business leaders, business advisors, and trained faculty
• No cost at all to participants
• Available to small businesses in every state and U.S. territory

The program is free for participants and delivered in partnership with academic institutions across the country. To date Goldman Sachs  10,000 Small Businesses has served over 10,000 businesses in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Click here to apply.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AVAILABLE

Looking for retail space? Consider this North Beach location at 7143 Collins Ave or this corner space in the heart of Mid-Beach at 451 W 41st St. If South Beach is on your list consider 736 Collins Ave.

To view other available properties, click here.

BUSINESS NEWSFLASH

Miami Spice Returns

The Miami summer months are about to give way to one of the city’s most exciting food experiences. From August 1 through September 30, 2023, Miami Spice, the two-month-long restaurant promotion organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GMCVB), returns for its 22nd year with over 150 restaurants in participation.

Click here for more information and for a full list of participating restaurants.

Miami Spa Months 2023

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is celebrating rest and relaxation with the return of Miami Spa Months. From July 1 to August 31, locals and visitors can indulge in luxurious and rejuvenating spa treatments with three pricing options, including $109, $159 and $199. 

Click here for more information and for a full list of the more than 40 offers.

LOCAL EVENTS

Enhance Your Business Resilience: Black Business Month Cybersecurity Event with IBM

August 23, 2023

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Rum Room - Miami Beach

Celebrate Black Business Month with confidence and resilience as the City of Miami Beach present "Bold Moves, Strong Defenses: Small Business Cybersecurity and Resilience Best Practices" - an IBM-powered event tailored exclusively for Miami Beach's innovative trailblazers!

Join us for this empowering cybersecurity event, specially crafted to equip Miami Beach's small businesses with essential tools to fortify their enterprises against cyber threats. Learn from featured IBM Industry Leaders: Jetta Jones, IBM Technical Lead and Senior SAN Engineer; Reginald (Reggie) D. Tompkins, IBM VP, Security Sales – Southeast Region; and Adrian Meghoo, IBM Storage Technical Specialist.

To register for this free event, click here.

OPEN with Private Sector

August 30, 2023

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Please join Region 2 National Preparedness Division for a webinar on Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs (OPEN). Businesses that are unable to sustain operations during an emergency incident exponentially impact individuals and the community who rely on them. The OPEN program offers a ten-step action plan for essential community economic and social resilience.

This webinar will review key steps of the action plan and explain how organizations can use OPEN to identify risks, locate resources, and consider immediate preparedness actions.

Who should attend: Community-Based Organizations, Non-profit Organizations, Small Businesses, Chambers of Commerce Memberships, Business and Industry Associations.

To register for this free event, click here.

Miami International Auto Show

September 1 - 10, 2023

The Miami International Auto Show is back at the Miami Beach Convention Center this fall! 

Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

City of Miami Beach Weekly Meetings

Stay up to date on all of our upcoming meetings. From Commission meetings to committee meetings, please click here for a full list with links to participate.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

City of Miami Beach Vacant Storefront Cover Program

The City of Miami Beach relaunched the Vacant Storefront Cover Program in a continued effort to improve the appearance of vacant, street-level commercial buildings and support the lease-up of retail spaces throughout the Miami Beach.



First unveiled in 2019, this initiative supports property owners, brokers, realtors and property managers by wrapping vacant storefront windows free of charge with one of ten (10) artistic designs preapproved by the City.

Click here to learn more about the program and how to get started. Interested brokers, realtors, property owners and managers should apply here and email the completed application to Mbbiz@miamibeachfl.gov.



Miami Beach Expedited Plan Review and Permitting Incentive Program

The City of Miami Beach is committed to diversifying the local economy by attracting and retaining companies in targeted industries like, financial services and technology. As part of this effort, the City is also offering an Expedited Plan Review and Permitting Program to incentivize targeted relocations, including expansions and associated development for companies. Click here to review full program guidelines.

Miami Beach Job Creation Incentive Program

The City of Miami Beach is offering the Job Creation Incentive Program (JCIP), a performance-based incentive adopted by the City Commission. The program aims to strategically attract new financial service companies and technology firms while helping existing businesses expand in Miami Beach to increase the number of high-wage jobs. Click here for more info and application details.

How to Apply for a Business Tax Receipt and a Certificate of Use

The choices you make affect your business operations, taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. View what you need to operate a business in Miami Beach here.

Plastic Free Miami Beach

Plastic comprises up to 97% of marine debris, and its dominance in the environment is explained by its abundance and nearly endless lifecycle. According to a United Nations, over eight million metric tons of plastic are found in our oceans every year, impacting our marine wildlife, fisheries, and tourism, and costing at least $8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems.

Plastic Free Miami Beach (#PlasticFreeMB) is a program that showcases businesses that have taken action to reduce single-use plastics from their establishment, and helps organizations learn about and implement best practices in the area of plastic waste reduction. The 3-tiered voluntary program allows participating businesses to choose the most suitable level which reflects their current plastic reduction practices. The more single-use plastic items that businesses transition away from, the higher the level they can reach.  

Register your business at Miami Beach - Rising Above (mbrisingabove.com)

List of Participating Plastic Free MB Businesses

Pop-Up Venue Permit

Pop-up venues are temporary retail spaces that can be used to promote and sell products of all types, ranging from food and beverages, clothing or unique gifts. The concept has the potential for low overhead, low risk and is a great way to introduce yourself to the market, generate buzz, increase sales and extend the reach and exposure of your business. To apply for a City of Miami Beach Pop-Up Venue permit click here.

PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for Bid Opportunities?

If you would like to be notified of available competitive solicitations released by the City of Miami Beach, you must register your company through Periscope S2G, Supplier-to-Government by clicking here. Registration is easy and will take only a few minutes. Refer to the guide for instructions on how to register and submit an electronic bid here.

Become A Registered City of Miami Beach Vendor 

To read more and to register click here.

CONTACT US

Visit MBBIZ.com or contact the Economic Development team here for more information on resources, finding the perfect location(s) for your business expansion or sharing  ideas for future topics. 

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

Missed a prior edition? Check out previous newsletters and business spotlight stories here.