EVENT RECAP: STRIVE305 Small Business Saturday Empowers Local Entrepreneurs with RISE Loan Program Insights

STRIVE305 Small Business Saturday Empowers Local Entrepreneurs
with RISE Loan Program Insights

On October 19, 2024, Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County STRIVE305 initiative hosted a Small Business Saturday event at the Miami Beach Regional Library. The theme of the event was financial empowerment for local entrepreneurs, and focused supporting small businesses and fostering a thriving local economy.

The keynote speaker was George Joseph, President and CEO of the Dade County Federal Credit Union. Mr. Joseph presented the RISE (Re-Investing in our Small Business Economy) Miam-Dade Fund (“Rise Program”).  The RISE Program consists of affordable, flexible financing accessible loans (up to $75,000) created for local Miami-Dade small businesses, particularly businesses who have experienced difficulty securing conventional loans. The RISE Program provides critical financial support, enabling business owners to invest in equipment, hire employees, and cover operating costs. The Rise Program's low-interest, flexible options empower businesses to grow, create jobs, and reinvest within their local communities.

The City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County partnership highlights a strategic effort to break down financial barriers and support sustainable small business growth. By offering entrepreneurs practical financial solutions through the RISE loan program, the event equipped attendees with resources to secure a more stable financial future and build resilience in today’s competitive market.

The event was the first of a series under the STRIVE305 initiative, aimed at driving economic development and providing business owners with actionable tools. For more information on the RISE Program and to explore how it can support your business goals, visit dcfcu.org/rise. The next STRIVE305 Small Business Saturday event will be held on November 9, 2024 in Coral Gables at Books & Books.