It’s been nearly three years since Florida International University launched StartUP FIU Procurement to help minority-led small businesses grow and navigate the world of government and anchor institution contracting. Let’s check in with StartUP FIU Procurement Director Barbara Cotto and see how they are doing. The small business incubator was […]
Tag: small business
5 ways to level up as a small business CEO
Are you running your business or is your business running you? If you answer with choice 2, this story is for you. Here are 5 ways to level up your skills as a small business CEO, from Florida SBDC at FIU business consultant Yanyn San Luis, who specializes in marking, […]
Heed these 9 keys to success in anchor procurement
If you ever wondered how your small business can increases your chances for success winning contracts for local anchor institutions like Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Schools, Florida International University, University of Miami or Miami Dade College, read on. This post is for you. Florida SBDC at FIU offers a range of […]
COVID relief grant program for micro-businesses extended, expanded
A Coral Gables-based bank and local nonprofit have renewed their micro-grant program supporting micro-businesses. Amerant Bank recently announced it’d be continuing the initiative it began with Branches, a community empowerment org, amid the pandemic last year. The partnership’s micro-grant program sought to provide funds to mom-and-pop operations who were hit hard by […]
5 tips for starting and growing an F&B business
Knowledge is power. With that in mind, GrowBiz tuned into the second of a series of panel discussions hosted by Florida SBDC at FIU and StartUP FIU Food in which small business owners and branding experts shared their advice about starting an F&B business. (You can read about the first […]
Race car driver turned entrepreneur finds winning team at FSBDC at FIU
Starting over in a new country with a business of any kind is difficult. Setting up a manufacturing company in a new country for both exports and domestic sales is even more challenging. Now throw in a global pandemic. Despite it all, Carmine Colarusso, owner of Ultra1Plus, maker and seller […]
Surveys say: Small businesses believe the worst may be behind us
As more Americans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, states lift restrictions, and businesses continue to reopen, a majority (65%) of small business owners are more optimistic that the worst of the pandemic is over. That’s according to the Q2 2021 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index released this week. […]
It’s hurricane season again. Is your business prepared? Here are some resources
The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, urges small business owners to prepare for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which began yesterday, June 1, and extends through November. According to a forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted […]
COVID relief: SBA opens portal for Restaurant Revitalization Fund applications
The Small Business Administration kicked off its Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant program this week. On day one, Monday, it delivered more than $2 billion in grants to more than 16,000 applicants. The SBA said approved grant recipients could see the money in their accounts are early as the next day. […]
FSBDC at FIU helps Creativo Dance Studio make the right moves toward full recovery
Daysi Cepeda never thought about closing her Creativo Dance Studio before 2020, when the pandemic shook her to her core. Since 2002, Cepeda had been teaching young students dance in her studio locations, watching them blossom into happy, self-confident girls and boys. She adjusted the programming over the years and […]