Category: Business

HONORING EXCELLENCE: Proclamations Recognize Key Miami Beach Business Contributors (Event Recap)

 

On November 13, the Miami Beach Commission proudly recognized two outstanding organizations that significantly contribute to our city's cultural and economic landscape. These proclamations celebrate their continued commitment to making Miami Beach a thriving, interconnected community.

Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA)

The MBVCA received a Certificate of Recognition for its steadfast dedication to promoting Miami Beach as a premier global destination. Since its establishment in 1967, MBVCA has bolstered our city’s reputation by supporting renowned events such as Art Basel, South Beach Wine and Food Festival, and Miami Beach Pride. These events not only enhance our cultural vitality but also generate significant economic activity.

Additionally, the MBVCA's recent accolades, including two Magellan Awards for hospitality innovation, highlight its success in leveraging technology and marketing. The EXP Miami Beach Tours App, which enhances visitor planning through dynamic content, exemplifies their forward-thinking approach. Their ongoing efforts ensure Miami Beach remains a vibrant, top-tier destination for tourists worldwide.

The Setai Hotel

Celebrating nearly two decades in Miami Beach, The Setai Hotel earned recognition for its exemplary commitment to community service. Beyond providing luxury accommodations, The Setai actively addresses pressing social issues by partnering with organizations like Feeding South Florida and Lotus House. Their initiatives combat hunger, homelessness, and economic disparity, fostering meaningful change in the community.

Moreover, The Setai's emphasis on diversity and inclusion has garnered prestigious accolades, including a Diversity Award from the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association. With a workforce representing over 30 countries, they champion a workplace that embraces unity and mutual respect.

As The Setai prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, its philanthropic efforts and mission to blend luxury with responsibility continue to inspire.

A Thriving Miami Beach Community

These organizations exemplify the values that make Miami Beach an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit. By promoting tourism and community engagement, they enrich our local economy and strengthen our city’s global appeal. Miami Beach is proud to celebrate their achievements and contributions to our community.

Miami Beach Donates Ambulance to Sister City Nahariya (Event Recap)

This Fall, the City of Miami Beach relaunched the Miami Beach Sister Cities Committee with a purpose to promote peace, understanding, and goodwill through cultural, educational, technical, environmental, and economic exchanges between cities in different countries. Miami Beach started the Sister Cities Program in 1959 and has created long-term partnership that involve people and organized groups at all levels of society. Sister Cities programs encourage citizens to better understand other cultures and communities by learning and supporting trade, democratization, sustainability, and more.

On November 14, 2024, the City of Miami Beach presented a fully equipped ambulance to Sister City, Nahariya, Israel. The donation, organized through the Miami Beach Sister Cities Committee and Magen David Adom, a volunteer non-profit organization that provides disaster, ambulance and blood service in Israel, aims to support emergency response efforts in Nahariya, which has been impacted by recent conflicts.

 

This Month in Miami Beach History:
Miami Beach's First Trolley: Connecting Communities Since 1920

December 8, 1920, marked a transformative moment for Miami Beach as the city’s first electric trolley system began operation. This pioneering transit network not only connected Miami Beach to Miami but also established 13 local stops within the island itself. For a young and growing city, the trolley was more than just a mode of transportation—it was a gateway to opportunity, facilitating commerce, tourism, and community-building.

The introduction of the electric trolley system was part of Miami Beach’s broader efforts to position itself as a modern, accessible destination. As detailed in historical records, including the Florida State Archives, the trolley was a marvel of its time. It allowed residents and visitors to seamlessly traverse the bay, enhancing daily life and making the beach more accessible to those in Miami proper.

By the early 1920s, Miami Beach was quickly becoming a hub for leisure and business, and the trolley played a vital role in this transformation. The 1921 photo of a bustling Miami Beach trolley stop captures the vibrant energy of a city on the rise. Visitors and locals alike depended on this reliable system to reach homes, businesses, and beachside attractions, laying the foundation for the area’s reputation as a world-class destination.

The trolley wasn’t just a symbol of progress; it was a literal bridge between the island and mainland, uniting two communities and spurring Miami Beach’s development as we know it today. This pivotal innovation reminds us of the power of connectivity, a legacy that continues to shape the city’s transportation infrastructure a century later.

BPN SUMMIT 2024: A Celebration of Legacy and Empowerment (Event Recap)

 

Discover how legacy building, wealth creation, and community impact intertwined at the Black Professionals Network 2024 Summit! Sponsored by the Miami Beach Economic Development Department, this transformative event engaged over 500 Black professionals and entrepreneurs at the "LegacyCon: House of Heroes" conference. From inspiring keynotes by industry trailblazers like Fawn Weaver to dynamic panel discussions, the summit was a hub of empowerment and actionable insights.

 

Miami Beach Sponsors and Engages at 10th Annual Black Professionals Network Summit

Miami Beach proudly sponsored and participated in the 10th Annual Black Professionals Network (BPN) Summit, held on December 22, 2024, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The event, themed “LegacyCon: House of Heroes”, gathered Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders uniting them by a common vision: build lasting legacies through financial success, personal development, and community impact.

A Celebration of Legacy and Empowerment

The three-day summit provided a dynamic platform, for over 500 attendees, to gain insights, network, and reflect on their professional journeys. The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to empower professionals and foster community engagement.

Inspiring Keynote by Fawn Weaver

A highlight of the summit was the keynote speaker Fawn Weaver, co-founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and two-time New York Times bestselling author. Weaver shared her remarkable journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building. She spoke about her mission to honor Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling, thereby reshaping the whiskey industry by bringing his story to light.

Weaver emphasized the power of storytelling in business and the importance of ownership in building generational wealth. "You can’t compete with marketing dollars, but you can dominate with earned media," she explained, highlighting how she leveraged press coverage to build the Uncle Nearest brand. Her story resonated deeply with the audience as she shared personal experiences of overcoming challenges, including dropping out of high school at 15 and experiencing homelessness.

Empowering Panel Discussions and Workshops

The summit featured a variety of panel discussions and workshops covering topics such as entrepreneurship, wealth building, leadership development, and leveraging technology for business growth.

Miami Beach participated in a panel titled "Operation Opportunity: Powering Progress through Partnerships", which included leaders from government agencies, economic development advocates, and procurement officers to highlight business opportunities available to potential vendors and partners. Veronica Hennig, Senior Redevelopment Specialist from the Miami Beach Economic Development Department, shared information about grants, incentives, and programs designed to attract and support businesses.

"Success in entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in the relationships we build with our communities and government entities," said Ms. Hennig. "Our programs are not just about financial support; they are creating a collaborative environment where businesses and the community grow together."

The summit served as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, inspiring action, and building connections that will drive economic empowerment. The department remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses as they navigate opportunities for growth in Miami Beach.

Get Involved with Miami Beach Economic Development

Businesses and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about the city's programs and opportunities are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Department. Resources offered include:

  • Grants and Incentives: Financial programs designed to support business attraction, expansion, and retention.
  • Business Support Services: Guidance on navigating regulatory processes, accessing local resources, and connecting with key stakeholders.
  • Community Engagement Opportunities: Initiatives that foster collaboration between businesses, community organizations, and government entities.

Together, We Can Fuel Growth

We invite you to join us in building a prosperous future for the Miami Beach community. For more information, please visit our www.mbbiz.com.

THE POWER OF LOCAL: Strengthen and enrich our Miami Beach Community

Miami Beach is not just a world-renowned tourist destination; it's a vibrant community enriched by local businesses that give our city its unique charm. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses1, and Miami Beach is no exception. Our local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops contribute significantly to the city's economy and cultural landscape.

In 2022, consumers nationwide spent a record $23.3 billion on Small Business Saturday alone. Imagine the positive impact if a significant portion of that spending happened right here in Miami Beach. By supporting local businesses, we help sustain jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and keep our city thriving.

Miami Beach: A Treasure Trove in Our Backyard

In 2023, Greater Miami welcomed over 26.5 million visitors, many of whom spent time exploring our local businesses. While tourists eagerly seek out the treasures our city offers, it's easy for residents to overlook the gems in our own backyard.

This holiday season, locals have the perfect opportunity to rediscover Miami Beach's diverse shopping districts—from the upscale boutiques of Lincoln Road to the eclectic shops of Sunset Harbour and the artistic flair of the Faena District. By choosing to shop locally, residents can find unique gifts and experiences that reflect the spirit of our city while supporting their neighbors.

 

 

Why Miami Beach Residents Should Shop Local

  • Unique Finds: Local businesses offer products that capture the essence of Miami Beach's culture and style, providing gifts that can't be found elsewhere.
  • Personalized Service: Shop owners often provide tailored recommendations and exceptional customer service, enhancing your shopping experience.
  • Community Growth: Money spent locally stays local. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays within the community4, fostering economic growth and improvement.
  • Environmental Benefits: Shopping locally reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping and excessive packaging.

Let us make a conscious effort to support the small businesses that make Miami Beach extraordinary. Whether you're purchasing gifts, dining at local restaurants, or enjoying local art and entertainment, every action contributes to the well-being of our community.

 

 

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

Aerial view of the Fontainebleau Hotel and surrounding Miami Beach skyline. The iconic curved hotel, along with adjacent high-rise buildings, sits along the beachfront, bordered by a waterway with yachts docked along its shore. The turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean stretch out to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky, with ships visible in the distance.

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.