Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness, Finance, Resources

Miami Beach offers $20K small business grants, while deadlines loom for other COVID-19 grant and loan programs

While South Florida and the nation’s small businesses await news on a Congressional stimulus package that is expected to include PPP relief funds, cities and the county are either rushing to try to disperse CARES Act funding to small businesses before the end of the year, and at least one […]

Disaster Preparedness, Economy, Finance

Who were the biggest PPP lenders for South Florida companies? Here’s what the data tells us

As Congress continues to debate the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020 – what stays in and what doesn’t – the Paycheck Protection Program is widely expected to be part of it. The PPP, an SBA forgivable loan program through partnering lenders, will likely look a little different when […]

Disaster Preparedness, Education, Networking, Resources

FIU’s Pino Center organizes record number of trainings to boost local businesses amid pandemic

During the pandemic, a common term heard among busines owners in Miami-Dade County and around South Florida is “pivot.” Retailers have pivoted to focus on more online sales, other businesses have pivoted to roll out new products or services, and restaurants have pivoted to offering more delivery or take out […]

Disaster Preparedness, Operations, Strategy, Team

The faces of agility and resiliency: How small businesses are fighting back

With her indoor restaurant closed, Cheesburger Baby’s owner Stephanie Vitori sought out partnerships to help keep her business afloat. In addition to pivoting to takeout and delivery only at her location, she partnered with a bar to run their commercial kitchen, serving up Cheeseburger Baby’s delicious burgers and fries to […]

Disaster Preparedness, Economy, Finance, Resources

COVID relief: Following Miami’s lead, Coral Gables also announces small business grant program

The City of Coral Gables has announced a grant program for small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 crisis. The new Small Business Recovery Grants Program is available to Coral Gables-based enterprises with up to 30 employees. The maximum grant award is $50,000. Coral Gables’ announcement follows one by the City […]

Disaster Preparedness, Operations, Strategy

Against the odds, Cheeseburger Baby owner says ‘I’m going to find a way’

The year 2020 kicked off like a winner for Cheeseburger Baby. The Super Bowl, the Miami International Boat Show and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival were huge for the small Miami Beach business known for its tasty classic-style burgers and accompaniments that have served celebrities, residents, workers and […]

Disaster Preparedness, Economy, Finance

Med Aesthetics Miami turns to the Florida SBDC at FIU Business again

Nearly a decade after the Florida SBDC at FIU Business (FSBDC) helped her launch her own business, Rosanna Bermejo again turned to the small business development center. This time, she sought help for her business, Med Aesthetics Miami, in recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The skincare and wellness […]