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February 2023

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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Miami Beach Black History Month Spotlight Story: Bibi Art Media, Inc

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing Black contributions and central role in U.S. history. The observance is the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland, who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent.


No one has played a greater role in helping all Americans know the black past than Carter G. Woodson, the individual who created Negro History Week in February 1926 to ensure that school children be exposed to black history. Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform to coincide with Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass’s birthdays. 



Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture, but that cannot be contained in one month alone. Join us as we explore how we can humanize history and objects through the lives, tragedies and triumphs of everyday people—while paying tribute to Black pioneers' trailblazing contributions by highlighting Miami Beach’s Bibi Andrade, noted artist and CEO of Bibi Art Media Inc. and publisher of The Adventures of Bibi& Friends



Click here to read more.

Miami Beach Black History Moment

Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali)

vs Sonny Liston World Heavyweight Championship – Miami Beach Convention Center

February 25, 1964

A young Cassius Clay stepped into the ring at the Convention Hall arena in Miami Beach, in front of a crowd of 8,300 spectators, and made history when he dethroned Sonny Liston as the reigning world heavyweight boxing champion in a seventh-round technical knockout.

 

Liston, who was an 8-to-1 favorite and had twice demolished former champ Floyd Patterson in one round, was no match for Ali’s quick footwork and sharp jabs. Ali had predicted victory, boasting that he would "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" and knock out Liston in the eighth round, making history when Liston failed to answer the seventh-round bell, complaining of an injured shoulder.


Two days later, a markedly more restrained Clay announced he was joining the Nation of Islam and adopted the name Muhammad Ali.

Miami Beach Announces the Opening of North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (NBCRA) District Office

On January 19, 2023, The North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (“North Beach CRA”) opened a new office at 962 Normandy Drive, in the heart of the North Beach community. The North Beach CRA mission is to revitalize the district with redevelopment programs and projects tailored for the neighborhood.


The district office is part of the North Beach CRA efforts to build awareness of the plans and benefits of the Community Redevelopment Agency and provide businesses and residents with one-on-one support and guidance and information on the projects and initiatives developed to invigorate the district, including transportation and mobility, infrastructure, resiliency, and affordable and workforce housing.


Click here to read more.

eMerge Americas Celebrates Black History Month Tech Thought-Leadership Series 2023

February 28, 2023

eMerge Americas is partnering with Miami Beach to produce a series of forums targeted at diverse startups, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, financial services leaders and influencers interested in starting/expanding a business in Miami Beach or investing in a Miami Beach business. The 2023 series will focus and shine a light on diverse founders and their success stories as a means to connect, learn and grow the tech business community in Miami Beach. The next forum is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2023.


Click here to rsvp.

iConnections Global Alts '23 Conference

Global Alts 2023 has come to an end, and what a successful event it was for Miami Beach! Held at the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel from January 30-Februay 2, 2023, the conference was attended by some of the largest U.S. investment firms, overseeing trillions of dollars in assets.


The programming began with the Alternative Investment Management Association's Private Credit Investor Forum, followed by a relaxing evening of entertainment on the beautiful Tropez Lawn. The content-packed program saw compelling discussions among notable industry leaders, including billionaire investors Mark Cuban, Jim Chanos, Marc Lasry, and Kim Kardashian.


Over the course of the week, iConnections/Global Alts 2023 hosted over 14,000 one-on-one meetings for financial services leaders, allocators, and fund managers across the investment and risk spectrum. With over 3,500 conference attendees, iConnections/Global Alts cemented its place as one of the biggest gatherings of financial thought-leaders, influencers, and decision-makers.


Featuring the “Make A Bold Move” campaign, the Miami Beach Economic Development Department hosted a booth in the Fontainebleau Gallery Hall. The team promoted Miami Beach as a destination of choice for businesses and leaders looking to relocate or expand, offered employees a great life-work balance lifestyle, and showed incentives to attract targeted investment and development in Miami Beach.


Thank you iConnections/Global Alts for another successful conference and we look forward to attracting and welcoming your attendees to Miami Beach long-term.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AVAILABLE


Looking for retail space? Consider this North Beach location at 715 71st St. or this corner space in the heart of Mid Beach at 3801 Collins Ave. If South Beach is on your list consider this location at 1560 Lenox Ave.


To view other available properties, click here.

Business Resources

Commissioner Micky Steinberg Announces 2023 Cycle of Mom-and-Pop Small Business Grant Program

Small business owners in Miami-Dade's District 4 are invited to apply for Commissioner Micky Steinberg's Annual Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program. Applicants may be eligible to receive up to $5,000, depending on the number of applicants, which can be used for purchasing equipment, supplies, inventory, commercial liability insurance, security systems, advertising, marketing, making minor renovations, salaries/wages, and rent/mortgage.


Applications will be accepted starting Feb. 6 through Feb. 24, 2023, by 12 p.m. 


Click here for additional program guidelines and to apply.

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Community Impact Grant Program

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that applications are now open for a series of grants for local businesses celebrating LGBTQ & Allied business resilience as part of the return of the NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program in 2023, in partnership with the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) and supported by the Grubhub Community Fund.

 

The grants are expected to range from $10,000 to $25,000 and funds can be used for things like updating security and security protocols, updating/purchasing new equipment, community involvement, marketing and public relations services, updating digital/e-commerce presence, purchasing product, staff training programs, employee pay and/or staff incentivized wages, COVID-19 recovery, and maintenance/updating of current infrastructure, etc.

 

Click here to view grant requirements and to apply before February 14, 2023.

Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust Unveils Grant Program

Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) announced the availability of grants through its Minority Small Black Business Capitalization Program for small to medium minority-owned businesses in Miami-Dade County in the amount of $10,000 to improve or stabilize neighborhood businesses throughout Miami-Dade County.


All grant applicants are required to submit a one-page document indicating how they intend to use the grant funds and how this will help their businesses. Applicants are also required to complete and submit the attached survey. As a part of MDEAT’s on-going efforts to improve and sustain minority-owned and small businesses, MDEAT is requiring each grant recipient to attend a minimum of two technical assistance workshops.


Click here to view grant requirements and to apply before February 23, 2023.

The Fresh Start Business Grant

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business? This grant is for you! 


Whether you’re starting over or starting from scratch, Incfile wants to be there to help your business succeed. One adult entrepreneur will receive $2,500 to put toward business startup costs and will also receive free formation services from Incfile.


Applications will be accepted until March 21, 2023.Click here to view grant requirements and to apply.

LOCAL EVENTS

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.

Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show

February 15 - 19, 2023

The Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show have joined forces to create the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, the largest boat and yacht event in the world. Discover everything from kayaks to superyachts to the latest aquatic innovations. 


For tickets and additional information click here.

AMWC North America

February 23- 25, 2023

The AMWC Conference is coming to Miam Beach. For decades, AMWC has built a global reputation for its highly interactive, stimulating, and multi-discipline program, with AMWC Monaco as the flagship event. 


With a scientific program guided by the Aesthetic Multispecialty Society (AMS), AMWC North America 2023 features a multidisciplinary aesthetic and anti-aging medicine program designed to promote high-level continuing education, inspire new ideas, and celebrate the sharing of expertise.


Click here to register.

Miami Beach Spring Break 2023

As a business in Miami Beach, it's important to understand the significance of spring break and its impact on the local economy. With an estimated $1.5 billion expected to be spent annually by travelers every year, spring break has become a major driver of economic activity in the area. This influx of visitors presents a valuable opportunity for local businesses to attract new customers and increase their bottom line. From offering special promotions to catering to the unique needs of spring break travelers, Miami Beach businesses can position themselves to take advantage of this period of increased demand. By recognizing the economic impact of spring break, Miami Beach businesses can ensure they're well equipped to capitalize on this important time of year.


Get ready for Miami Beach Live! 2023, the ultimate Spring Break experience is back throughout the month of March. With four weeks of fun, sun, and fitness activities, there's something for everyone. Miami Beach is partnering with top organizations to bring you a diverse range of health, wellness, fitness, and entertainment events.


From beach yoga to sports tournaments and concerts, get ready to welcome visitors from near and far and be a part of the magic of Miami Beach Live! 2023. It's the perfect time to let your business shine and be a part of the thriving culture of Miami Beach.


Click here to view a list of scheduled events.

Winter Party Festival

March 1-7, 2023

Winter Party Festival is back for its 30th anniversary celebration from March 1-7th, 2023. With over 20,000 attendees from around the world, this festival is the perfect opportunity for businesses to connect with the LGBTQ+ community. From street and beach parties to world-class DJs, Winter Party Festival is the ultimate celebration of Miami Beach and the LGBTQ+ community.


Additionally, the festival raises funds for LGBTQ+ organizations, making it not just a celebration, but a way to support the community. Be a part of this historic event and connect, celebrate, and support.


Visit here for more information.

Great Wines of The World Grand Tasting 2023

March 1 - 2, 2023

Great Wines of the World Grand Tasting 2023 will present an extraordinary, curated selection featuring the wines of more than 300 of the best producers from the top wine regions in the world— all hand-picked by JamesSuckling.com.


Tour the world tasting top-scoring wines, all of which were rated at least 92 points (with the majority scoring 95-98 points) and many of which made it onto the JamesSuckling.com Top 100 Wines of 2022 list. Celebrated owners and winemakers from iconic wineries will also be in attendance to share their valuable insights.



For tickets and additional information click here.

Bank of America Small Business Kick-off

March 2, 2023

Local Small Businesses have been invited to be vendors during the Bank of America Small Business Kick-off event, giving attendees the opportunity to #shoplocal and learn about entrepreneurs across different industries and support their products and services.


Attendees will enjoy live cooking demos at the beginning event, showcasing 2 Start UP FIU Local Participants: Chef Ivo d’Aguiar, Executive Chef and Owner of YALL FOODS, and Chef Jodhan Mourra, Executive Chef and Owner of Cabana by Chef Jodhan. Throughout the Kick-off, attendees can attend panels including a Digital Equity panel sponsored by Verizon, Investment and Financial Opportunities panel sponsored by Miami- Dade County, and a Government & Corporate Contracting panel.


The Kick-off will culminate with Keynote Speaker Shalaya Morissette, Chief, Minority Business and Workforce Division, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity · U.S. Department of Energy.


Click here to register.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Miami Beach Emergency Small Business Expense Reimbursement Grant Funding Still Available

Small businesses in Miami Beach are encouraged to apply for a $20,000 emergency grant to cover rent, mortgage, utilities, payroll and operating expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-qualified basis. Interested businesses may apply here.

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. Now the City is excited to announce five new designs have been added to the Program catalog.


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 [email protected].

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.

Miami Beach Film & Production Incentive Program

Making movies and other film projects in Miami Beach has never been easier! A new incentive program brings new guidelines, and fewer restrictions. To review program guidelines and apply, click here.

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

PlasticFreeMB showcases businesses that have taken action to reduce plastics from their establishment and to help organizations learn and implement best practices in the area of environmental stewardship. Learn why and how we're combating single-use plastic hereInterested businesses can register here.

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.

TESTING & VACCINATIONS

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Site Near City Hall

Nomi Health continues to operate the testing and vaccination site located on the first floor of the Pennsylvania Garage (G9) at 17 Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The site operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no appointment necessary. Vaccines are administered until 5 p.m., while testing continues until 6 p.m. The site is also administering the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 months+ and offering single booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to those eligible to receive them. Nomi Health has opened an additional walk-up testing site at 8400 Collins Ave for ages 5 and up. This location also operates seven days a week from 8 a.m.to 6 p.m. with no appointment necessary. It offers both rapid and PCR tests.

 


Click here for more information.


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.

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