Does your small business need a boost? How to get a $5,000 grant from Miami-Dade

Entrepreneurs who run small businesses in Miami-Dade can apply for county grants to help buy equipment, replenish inventory, pay insurance, invest in advertising, make renovations or cover rent.

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The Mom and Pop program is open to for-profit businesses of more than a year located in Districts 5 and 6, including home-based businesses. National chains are excluded from the program.

Miami-Dade has more than 83,000 small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. But many face economic challenges such as high inflation —which limits the ability to restock inventory — the fluctuating price of fuel and the need to adapt to the demands of AI.

Assistance for businesses in Coral Gables, Hialeah and Miami Springs

District 6, overseen by Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, includes the neighborhoods of Coral Gables, Hialeah, Miami, Virginia Gardens, West Miami and Miami Springs.

Westward Drive in Miami Springs is home to several small businesses, including beloved spots like Cozy Corner, a family owned diner for 40 years that serves up homey breakfasts and features a décor with ads from the 1940s and ‘50s.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and play a fundamental role in creating jobs, providing services, and strengthening our neighborhoods,” Orbis said.

Small businesses in District 6 can apply for a grant of up to $5,000. Interested business owners can pick up application forms through June 29 at the District 6 office, 1000 SW 57th Ave., Suite 201— or by contacting 305-267-6377 and [email protected]. Applications must be submitted to the same office between July 6 and July 9.

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Businesses from the heart of Miami to South Beach

District 5 encompasses South Beach, Fisher Island, Brickell, the downtown Miami high-rise corridor, Little Havana, Silver Bluff and Shenandoah.

For Commissioner Vicki Lopez, getting to know business owners is important.

“I have experienced firsthand the long hours, sacrifices and challenges involved in running a small business, especially at a time when rising costs and affordability concerns continue to affect our community,” the commissioner said.

Applications for the District 5 Mom and Pop Program, available in English and Spanish, can be downloaded online.

The deadline to submit them is July 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the district office in Miami, 2100 Coral Way, Suite 400, and in Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Dr. first floor, Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Information sessions about the program, requirements and applications will be offered at the Miami Beach Regional Library, 227 22nd Street, at 5:30 p.m. June 29, and at the Camacol Tower Community Center, 1401 W. Flagler St., at 5:30 p.m. June 30.

Grant funds may not be used for rental deposits, late rental payments, payroll, debts or property taxes, or county and city licenses.

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