Welcome to the Miami-Dade Business Navigator
The Miami-Dade Business Navigator (MDBN) program is an exciting local initiative funded (in part) through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It is led by the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida International University’s College of Business (FIU Business) in partnership with six experienced community organizations: Ascendus, Branches, the EDC of South Miami-Dade, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Prospera, and StartUP FIU Procurement. Through the program, the group of community partners will connect with underserved local entrepreneurs in Miami-Dade County to launch, grow and revitalize their businesses. The MDBN program focuses on small businesses—including microbusinesses with fewer than 10 employees—owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
2023 Annual Report
About Us
Meeting small businesses where they are to help them survive and thrive
Miami-Dade County is one of the most diverse and dynamic counties in the country. It is a great place to start or grow a business with quality resources and programs here for small businesses. But we know that navigating government programs and small business resources can be complicated. That’s what we’re here for. The Miami-Dade Business Navigator program utilizes deeply trusted community-based organizations to guide small businesses to all the community resources, services and programs that are available for your business. MDBN provides additional capacity to these trusted local groups to reach more businesses in the community and create a stronger local network of Miami-Dade small business providers. The goal is to improve access to the assistance you need to start a new business, grow an existing business, or recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
The first step is to set up a no-cost consultation so we can learn more about you and your business. After that, we can connect you to a Navigator to provide consulting, training, or access to critical resources.
Services
The one-on-one technical assistance, training and information entrepreneurs need to succeed
There are a number of barriers local entrepreneurs face when navigating government programs and resources. Whether it is overcoming language or cultural barriers to entry, breaking down programmatic silos, or bringing industry experts directly to small businesses, Miami-Dade Business Navigators are here for you. Our program has three key components:
» One-on-One Business Assistance
» Training and Outreach Assistance
» Connectivity to Small Business Networking, Resources, and Information
Services and trainings are available in English, Spanish, and Kreyol. Critical resources and assistance you can access include:
Startup Assistance
Financial Management and Access to Capital Assistance
Marketing/Sales, Business Strategy, and Operations
Government Contracting and
Procurement Assistance
Industry-specific training
Upcoming Events
For over 30 years Ascendus has provided small business owners with the loan capital and coaching to move up, improve their lives, care for their families, and contribute to their communities. At Ascendus, we work with business owners to customize a program that creates financial ascension. We’re more flexible than other lenders, and we see beyond traditional lender measures and forms.
Branches develops and implements programs that address the root causes of poverty. Its micro-business program provides services to supports participants in becoming economically self-sufficient through entrepreneurial activity. These include: business assessment and readiness workshops; comprehensive business management training; personal one-on-one financial coaching; one-on-one business technical assistance; and ongoing business mentoring services.
The Economic Development Council (EDC) of South Miami-Dade’s seeks to improve and advance quality of life, expansion of businesses and job creation through the implementation of projects that harness sustainability and resiliency through economic development, infrastructure improvements, education and skilled workforce. The EDC of South Miami-Dade’s primary mission is to increase the overall economic vitality of South Dade communities.
The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) was founded in 1974 to objectively advocate the needs of a growing Black business community. Today, MDCC is one of the most diverse minority and woman Chambers of Commerce in South Florida focused on providing technical assistance and resources that create opportunities for economic and social transformation in communities in Miami-Dade County.
Prospera is an economic development organization specializing in bilingual business development services for underserved entrepreneurs. The organization’s mission is to help start, sustain, and grow Hispanic-owned businesses to achieve community prosperity. Prospera empowers entrepreneurs through training, individual consulting, and additional resources so their businesses can grow and prosper.
Start FIU Procurement is designed to help unlock economic growth, by becoming procurement-ready with government and private institutions. Industry experts and partners are committed to supporting entrepreneurs by providing educational tools that would help them evaluate business environment, innovate, and strategize to overcome the challenges that could impact financial growth and expansion while providing a network connecting to opportunities.
FIU's College of Business and the Florida SBDC Network have joined forces to bring local companies a team of highly experienced business experts who offer confidential, no-cost consulting to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to grow. If you own a business with 3 or more employees, or are launching a scalable venture, we are ready to help you successfully navigate the obstacles that often hinder business growth.
Partners
Miami-Dade County has a strong small business ecosystem. The Miami-Dade Business Navigator program is proud to have the partnership, assistance and support of key business and community leaders, organizations and other groups across the county. The following organizations and groups are collaborating with our network to better serve your business:
If you would like to partner with the MDBN program on consulting, training or outreach in your community in Miami-Dade, please fill out the “ Become a Partner ” inquiry form.
Client Successes
Mind Over Matter Allied Health
Ideal Music Box
Kimone's Cake Art Studio
Lil Chef Big Food LLC
JC Supplier, LLC
Attunergy
Tinajita LLC (dba Vegallia)
Live Like You Green It
LCT-E Learning Solutions
Metro Mommy Agency LLC
Mav Inc
Makeup by Rory Lee
Athlon Rub
Stacy's Naturals
Indigo Events Corp.
Lifestyle Gear LLC
Alabao Roofing Services
Allyi Inc.
Place of Aroma LLC
Cognitive Wellness, LLC
Gradible
Print Web and Social Media Design
Designs by Sommer LLC
Upright Spine Center
Lavish Touches
Vila Kids LLC
WYSP Skin Studio
Anointed Florist & Gift Shop LLC
Land Airline
Imago Art LLC
Insinet Group LLC
TPE Coaching & Consulting
Exclusive Tonsorial Services LLC
Thrive Loop LLC
Swirls Frozen Yogurt
NFoods Base LLC (DBA Y'all Foods)
Alpha International Transport LLC
HJ Construction Group, Inc
Todo Dollar Store Exito Supermarket
(dba Zulia Market Discount)
305 Aero Supplies, LLC
Mariana Foods
Mailing Logistics LLC
In the News
The latest Miami-Dade Business Navigator news
We’re excited about the Miami-Dade Business Community Navigator program, and so is the media! Check back here for updates and news, and reach out to
Navigators@fiu.edu
with questions or requests.
Contact
Connect with us!!!
Address:
FIU Downtown at Brickell
1101 Brickell Avenue, South Tower
Room 204
Miami, FL 33131
Email Us:
Email:
Navigators@fiu.edu
Call Us:
Call: (305) 779-9244