Now based at FIU Business, the FIU Business Innovation and Growth (BIG) Accelerator program, formerly known as StartUP FIU Local, will work with small businesses and aspiring student entrepreneurs eager to innovate and explore new opportunities.
The BIG kick-off, held October 17, 2024, highlighted expanded services designed to better support the small business community, focusing on early-stage businesses, including those up to three years old with gross incomes under $1 million. Additionally, the program aims to refine the local business environment and broaden the landscape by fostering various industries and entrepreneurs.
“The core is education, networks and resources,” said Barbara Cotto, FIU BIG’s program director. “We will help them from preparing a business plan to where to go for access to capital, procurement of government contracts, as well as finance and marketing plans.”
The event featured panelists Gustavo Mosquera, associate teaching professor, FIU Business Department of Marketing and Logistics; Leticia Bolden, business incubators manager, Neighbors And Neighbors Association; Scott Singer, president, Insider Career Strategies; and Al Kanbar, hands-on restaurant coach, Silver Spoon Mia, discussing the benefits of digital optimization for small business entrepreneurs and owners.
"Behind every business is a person and not every tool fits everybody. There are a lot of technologies out there; you have to have a foundation, something that fits your style," said Singer, president of Insider Career Strategies.
Among its offerings, BIG will include workshops and training programs on financial literacy for communities, business planning and marketing strategies, business canvassing for early entrepreneurs, and growth strategies for small business owners.
“We strive to build a more diverse ecosystem of small businesses through targeted resources, expert guidance, and strategic partnerships,” said Cotto. “This approach strengthens the local economy and ensures that entrepreneurs from all backgrounds have the opportunity to grow and thrive.”
Wilmar Moreno, owner of Doral-based aesthetics center Willy4Wellness, reached out to BIG in search of information on how to better manage her business’ finances. She registered for an upcoming session on applying for grants and money management.
“My business is a solo practice, and I need to improve the financial component,” said Moreno.