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Category: Business
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.
This Month in Miami Beach History:
Miami Beach Botanical Garden’s Renewal – A November Transformation
In November 2011, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden reopened its gates to the public after a significant renovation that transformed it into a lush, sustainable oasis in the heart of the city. Originally established in 1962, the garden had served as a green space for decades, but its redesign brought fresh life and purpose to the area. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles led this revitalization, incorporating native Florida plants, water-conserving features, and a layout that encourages visitors to experience Miami Beach’s unique natural beauty up close.
As we mark this November milestone, we celebrate the garden’s evolution from a modest public space into an essential part of Miami Beach’s identity. Now a beloved spot for residents and tourists alike, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden serves not only as a space for relaxation and recreation but as a center for environmental education, cultural events, and community connection.
1. A Green Renewal with Environmental Impact
The garden’s redesign was driven by a vision to create a sustainable landscape that would thrive in Miami Beach’s subtropical climate. Raymond Jungles’s approach emphasized native plants, drought-resistant vegetation, and the use of natural materials to minimize environmental impact. The garden’s water features, shaded walkways, and native flora all contribute to an eco-friendly design that conserves water, provides habitats for local wildlife, and encourages sustainable practices.
This focus on sustainability reflects Miami Beach’s commitment to green initiatives, reinforcing the city’s appeal to environmentally conscious residents and businesses. Today, the garden stands as a model for eco-friendly urban spaces, inspiring visitors and local enterprises to adopt green practices.
2. A Hub for Community and Cultural Events
Since its reopening, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden has become a vibrant hub for cultural and community activities. It regularly hosts art exhibitions, workshops, and public gatherings, drawing both locals and visitors. From yoga sessions to plant markets and educational programs, the garden offers diverse programming that caters to a wide range of interests. This approach aligns with Miami Beach’s vision of creating inclusive spaces that enhance community engagement and cultural appreciation.
For local businesses, the garden’s events attract new audiences, increasing foot traffic in the area and providing opportunities for partnerships. Businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors, in particular, benefit from the steady stream of visitors seeking unique experiences within the city.
3. An Educational Resource for Sustainable Living
The garden’s educational initiatives are a cornerstone of its mission. It provides interactive programs on sustainable gardening, native plant species, and environmental conservation, making it an invaluable resource for students, families, and eco-conscious visitors. The garden’s layout itself serves as a living classroom, showcasing plants that flourish in Miami Beach’s climate and promoting biodiversity.
Local schools and organizations frequently collaborate with the garden to offer hands-on learning experiences, reinforcing Miami Beach’s role as a community committed to environmental education. This outreach effort contributes to a growing awareness of ecological issues and sustainable practices within the Miami Beach community.
The November 2011 reopening of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden represents more than just a physical transformation; it symbolizes Miami Beach’s dedication to preserving green spaces, promoting environmental education, and fostering a community-centered approach to city planning. As the garden continues to bloom, it reminds us that investments in sustainable design and public spaces yield lasting benefits, strengthening Miami Beach’s identity as a forward-thinking, eco-conscious city.
Supplier Diversity in Miami Beach: Supporting Veterans and Native American Enterprises
November is a month of reflection and celebration in the United States, honoring both Veteran’s Day and Native American Heritage Month. This year, the City of Miami Beach proudly reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity by welcoming all businesses to register as a vendor. While all businesses can access procurement opportunities, those certified as Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), and Veteran Business Enterprises (VBEs) benefit from additional advantages in the procurement process.
Empowering Small and Disadvantaged Businesses (SBE/DBE)
To create an inclusive procurement landscape, the City of Miami Beach recognizes certifications for SBEs and DBEs, as issued by Miami-Dade County.. These certifications support small and disadvantaged businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, and other underrepresented groups, by leveling the playing field and enhancing access to city projects. By expanding opportunities for SBEs and DBEs, we’re investing in a supplier base that reflects Miami Beach’s diverse community.
Celebrating Veteran-Owned Businesses (VBE)
In alignment with Veteran’s Day, Miami Beach extends unique support to Veteran Business Enterprise (VBEs) certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veteran-owned businesses bring valuable skills and experiences to the city’s vendor network, and our procurement process encourages their participation, honoring their contributions to both our community and economy.
Join Us in Building a Diverse Supplier Base
Expanding opportunities for all businesses, including SBEs, DBEs, and VBEs, isn’t just an economic strategy—it’s a commitment to Miami Beach’s future. By prioritizing diversity in procurement, the city benefits from fresh perspectives, competitive pricing, and high-quality services, ultimately driving greater value in city projects.
If your business is certified as an SBE, DBE, or VBE, or if you’re simply looking to engage in our procurement network, the City of Miami Beach encourages you to register as a vendor. This November, we celebrate the contributions of all businesses working with us to build a resilient, innovative community.
For additional information on these certifications and city procurement practices or learn How To Become A Vendor, visit the Procurement Department’s page. To get started, register by completing both the Vendor Self-Service (supplier registry) and Periscope S2G (bidding system) registrations. These are two separate systems, so be sure to complete both to ensure full access to Miami Beach’s procurement opportunities.
This Month in Miami Beach History: The Opening of the Fontainebleau Hotel
On October 20, 1954, the Fontainebleau Hotel opened its doors, marking a pivotal moment in Miami Beach’s transformation into a global hub of luxury, culture, and business. With its striking design by Morris Lapidus, the Fontainebleau quickly became a magnet for the world’s elite, setting the stage for Miami Beach’s rise as an iconic destination.
For the business community, the Fontainebleau wasn’t just a hotel—it was an economic engine. Its allure brought a steady stream of affluent tourists and high-profile events, helping to ignite Miami Beach’s hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors. As one of the most sought-after venues for conferences, conventions, and international gatherings, the Fontainebleau remains integral to the city’s economy today, driving year-round business activity and supporting local restaurants, boutiques, and cultural institutions. This legendary hotel stands as a beacon of Miami Beach’s evolution, symbolizing the intersection of innovation, luxury, and opportunity that continues to fuel the city’s business landscape.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and also coincides with Hispanic Heritage month, therefore for our October business spotlight, we are highlighting Dr. Juan C. Paramo. Dr. Juan C. Paramo is an attending surgeon in Surgical Oncology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Paramo is an expert surgeon in the treatment of complex cases of breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, as well as sarcomas of the soft tissues.
The Future of the Miami Beaches event by Bisnow, held at the Lincoln Road Eatery, saw the City of Miami Beach take a leading role as a sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to transforming the city’s economic landscape. With a focus on attracting businesses in key sectors like health, tech, finance, and the arts, the event highlighted the city’s strategic push towards creating a vibrant, multifaceted business environment that balances innovation, commerce, and culture.
Mayor Steven Meiner opened the event with powerful keynote remarks, emphasizing the city’s pivot away from its former party-centric image toward becoming a destination that fosters sustainable growth and attracts businesses that value the city’s unique live-work-play balance. He underscored the city’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly climate while retaining the cultural vibrancy that has long made Miami Beach iconic.
A standout moment during the event was the Retail Renaissance: The Future of Beachfront Commerce panel, where Commissioner Joe Magazine shared exciting news that Edglrd, a creative company, is in the process of moving its headquarters to Lincoln Road. This move is a clear signal of Miami Beach’s evolution into a hub for innovative and creative industries. Magazine further highlighted that collaboration between the city and businesses is essential for long-term, sustainable economic growth.
Lincoln Road, once known primarily for retail and dining, is undergoing a transformation into a space where creativity and commerce intersect. By attracting companies like Edglrd, the city is positioning itself as a destination for forward-thinking businesses that value not just location but a holistic lifestyle experience that includes work, culture, and leisure.
The event showcased Miami Beach’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and the ongoing need for sustainability. Discussions ranged from the latest retail trends and hospitality innovations to beachfront development strategies and climate resilience. With luxury retailers, creative firms, and other key players gravitating toward the area, Miami Beach is setting a new standard for economic diversity and community engagement.
The City of Miami Beach’s Economic Development Department continues to play a critical role in driving this transformation by cultivating a business ecosystem that thrives on innovation and resilience. As the city evolves into a hub for industries like health, tech, finance, and the arts, it remains committed to creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and cultural integration. Events like The Future of the Miami Beaches highlight the city’s proactive approach in shaping a dynamic future, making Miami Beach a premier destination for business and lifestyle.
On the Road to Preparedness
Disasters impact the workplace — beyond physical damage, they affect both the people who work there as well as business operations. After a disaster, workplaces cannot recover without their people and people cannot recover without a job to go back to.
When it comes to preparing for a disaster, your organization can have influence over employee behavior in important ways. For example, when employees are encouraged by their employers to be prepared for disasters, employees are 75 percent more likely to take action. And with more than 63 percent of the U.S. population aged 16 or older in the labor force, the workplace is one of the most effective environments for educating and encouraging people to take steps to be ready for disasters. Businesses that plan ahead are more prepared, more resilient, and more important, can avoid becoming a statistic. According to FEMA, 40% of businesses never recover after a disaster and 62% of business owners do not have an emergency plan in place. A resilient business is one that can quickly and effectively address adversity. Resilient businesses experience fewer or shorter disruptions caused by a disaster, can resume regular operations sooner, recover faster, and adjust for the future.
September is National Preparedness Month. Take the time to evaluate your preparedness levels, update your emergency plans, and equip yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge to face adversity. To get your business started on the road to resiliency, FEMA offers excellent resources literally available at your fingertips at Ready.gov/business. There you will find hazard specific Ready Business Toolkits, Ready Business Plans, Trainings and Exercises, as well as other business resources.
Another excellent way to be prepared is to organize a Business Emergency Response Team (BERT). A BERT program can support and enhance existing capabilities, and BERT employees/volunteers can participate in efforts to increase the preparedness and resilience of the workplace and community. A Workplace BERT program equips employees with skills that enable them to perform basic disaster response operations in an emergency. Having trained staff volunteers available helps protect the health and safety of people at your workplace.
Workplace BERT employees are trained using the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training curriculum. The 24-hour FEMA-approved training covers Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response Team Organization, Disaster Medical Operations, Stop-the-Bleed, Disaster Psychology, Fire Safety and Utility Controls, Light Search and Rescue Operations and response to Terrorism.
To prepare your employees, the City of Miami Beach Division of Emergency Management offers the CERT/BERT training curriculum. Employers and employees can register for the training by going to the Miami Beach CERT website and selecting which set of trainings that will work with their schedule. Emergency Management can also work with your business to plan your own set of trainings. If you have questions, please feel free to email CERT@miamibeachfl.gov or call 305.673.7736.
Pagio’s & Associates, LLC: Pioneers of Change
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the year, from September 15 to October 15, we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this business spotlight focuses on Pagio’s & Associates, a Hispanic-owned business.
Once upon a time, in the vibrant city of Lima, Peru, two sisters named Paola and Giovanna Guerra, dreamed of a future filled with opportunity and success. Despite facing obstacles and challenges along the way, their determination never wavered. With a shared passion for numbers and a deep sense of ambition, they decided to embark on a new adventure together. In 2008, Paola and Giovanna made a bold decision to leave their homeland and pursue their dreams in Miami Beach, Florida. With nothing but a suitcase with a few possessions and full of hopes and aspirations, they set out to establish their own accounting firm. The journey was not easy, as they encountered language barriers and cultural differences, but their strong bond and unwavering belief in each other propelled them forward. Founded in 2009, their business blossomed from a humble endeavor into a thriving hub for immigration, tax, and accounting services.
With over 15 years of experience and counting, together they have developed clientele who can trust them to provide exceptional service. “Opening a business as a Hispanic entrepreneur can be daunting, but our strong sense of community and family support helps us navigate through the toughest challenges with grace and perseverance,” states Paola. Their mission is to meet the current and future needs of their clients and help them to cultivate long-term success. They strive to provide incomparable services while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and professionalism, and to respect their staff and those they serve as professionals and individuals. Their ultimate goal is to maintain an environment that encourages giving back to their community. Through hard work and perseverance, Paola’s and Giovana’s accounting firm began to flourish.Their dedication to providing top-notch services and building lasting relationships with clients earned them a stellar reputation in the business community. As the years went by, their client base grew, and their business expanded beyond their wildest dreams. They specialize in divorces, marriages, pre-nuptial agreements, notarizations, power of attorney, wills, travel permits and translations.
Now, sixteen years later, Paola’s and Giovanna’s accounting firm stands as a testament to their tenacity and resilience. From humble beginnings in Peru to a thriving business in Miami Beach, they have proven that with sisterly love and steadfast resolve, anything is possible. With a dedicated team of 11, they expanded to a second office in Sunny Isles Beach in 2021, continuing to serve their community with integrity and expertise. Their story inspires others to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams. As the sun sets over the sandy shores of Miami Beach, Paola and Giovanna look back on their journey with gratitude and pride. Together, they have built a legacy that will stand the test of time, showing the world that two Hispanic sisters from Peru can conquer any challenge, achieve greatness, and give back to the country that gave them this opportunity.
The Business Concierge and Licensing Day event on August 15 was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders in Miami Beach. Held at City Hall, the event provided a streamlined, one-stop experience for local businesses to obtain or renew their licenses and tax receipts, simplifying what is often a complex process.
Attendees were guided through licensing procedures by knowledgeable city staff, who provided valuable resources and answered questions to ensure compliance with local regulations. The event made it easier for both new and established businesses to efficiently meet their obligations.
The event featured active participation from various city and county departments, each offering expertise to enhance the attendee experience. The Miami Beach Planning and Zoning Department provided guidance on zoning regulations, while the Building Department offered insights on permit requirements. The Customer Service/Finance Department managed business tax receipts and other essential documentation.
Additionally, the Miami Beach Procurement Department enrolled businesses as city vendors, creating new opportunities for local companies to engage in city projects. The City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department shared information about the city’s business support services and programs designed to help businesses succeed.
On the county side, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office clarified tax obligations, and the Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) addressed environmental regulations. The County Office of Innovation and Economic Development, the Small Business Division, and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) also offered support and resources to help small businesses grow.
This collaborative effort between city and county departments ensured comprehensive support for business owners, making the licensing process more accessible. The event underscored Miami Beach’s commitment to fostering a thriving business environment by providing the necessary resources for compliance and growth.
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In September 1926, Miami Beach was struck by one of the most catastrophic events in its history: the Great Miami Hurricane. This formidable Category 4 storm brought winds exceeding 150 mph and a storm surge that inundated much of the city. The devastation was immense, with hundreds of lives lost and over $100 million in damages—a sum equivalent to billions today. Buildings were flattened, neighborhoods were submerged, and the once-thriving city was left in ruins.
The impact of the 1926 hurricane was a turning point for Miami Beach, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The lessons learned from this tragedy have shaped the city’s approach to emergency management and resilience planning.
As we observe Disaster Preparedness Month this September, the memory of the Great Miami Hurricane reminds us of the vital importance of being ready. The legacy of that storm underscores the necessity of preparing for the unexpected, ensuring that our community can withstand and recover from future disasters. Reflecting on this history, we are reminded that preparedness is not just a precaution—it’s a responsibility to protect our city and its residents.
