Capital Assets & Preservation
Investment Thesis & Theory of Change
The rent of many small businesses in Allapattah has increased significantly since the pandemic, paying a sizable portion of their gross revenue in rent. Our Theory of Change is focused on providing the resources, capacity and opportunities to stabilize their business by purchasing their storefront.
As Allapattah CDC acquires and develops property on the Little Santo Domingo Commercial Corridor, it enable Allapattah CDC to provide opportunities for ownership that our community’s small businesses and residents can afford while building generational wealth.
We are committed to rooting our community in place by providing ownership opportunities to legacy small businesses and residents alike, as well as expanding access to resources and spaces that highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and brilliance of our community.
Breaking Business Barriers
The Breaking Business Barriers (BBB) initiative is a dynamic program dedicated to helping small businesses in Allapattah overcome the systemic challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability. Through direct support, workshops, and advocacy, BBB identifies the obstacles local entrepreneurs face—whether it’s navigating permits, accessing capital, or understanding compliance—and provides practical solutions to move their businesses forward. We work closely with city agencies, financial institutions, and community partners to dismantle red tape and create a more equitable and supportive environment for small business success. At the heart of the program is our commitment to economic justice and local empowerment. BBB ensures that businesses—especially those led by BIPOC owners, immigrants, and women—receive the resources, representation, and respect they deserve. By amplifying their voices and building pathways to opportunity, BBB helps entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing market. Our goal is to remove the hidden barriers that hold small businesses back and replace them with bridges to stability, visibility, and long-term impact in the Allapattah community.
Connecting Community to Capital
Connecting Community to Capital (CCC) is a strategic initiative that bridges the gap between underserved entrepreneurs and the financial resources they need to grow and sustain their businesses. In a landscape where access to funding is often limited by systemic inequities, CCC works to remove these barriers by fostering strong relationships between local businesses and mission-aligned lenders, banks, CDFIs, and grantmaking institutions. We provide one-on-one guidance, educational workshops, and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs become loan-ready, understand their financial options, and navigate the application process with confidence. CCC empowers small business owners to make informed decisions, build financial resilience, and secure the capital necessary to scale. Our priority is ensuring that historically excluded communities—especially BIPOC, immigrant, and women-led businesses—are not left behind. By centering equity and community ownership, CCC transforms capital access from a privilege into a pathway for inclusive economic growth. This initiative strengthens Allapattah’s economic ecosystem by placing power and possibility directly in the hands of its entrepreneurs.
First Time Commercial Buyer
The First Time Commercial Buyers (FTCB) program at Allapattah Collaborative CDC is designed to empower local entrepreneurs and long-time residents with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to transition from tenants to property owners. Through personalized guidance, workshops, and strategic partnerships, FTCB equips buyers to navigate the complex process of acquiring commercial real estate — from financial planning and due diligence to closing and long-term sustainability.
Our mission is rooted in equity: we prioritize support for BIPOC and historically underserved business owners who are deeply connected to the Allapattah community. By partnering with banks, CDFIs, and public agencies, we help level the playing field so our participants can compete in Miami’s dynamic real estate market.
FTCB offers wraparound services including legal referrals, access to capital, and connections to trusted real estate professionals. This holistic approach ensures buyers are not alone at any stage of their journey. More than a program, FTCB is a movement to strengthen local ownership, build generational wealth, and prevent displacement by helping small businesses secure their place in Allapattah’s future. We believe in investing from the inside out—supporting our community to grow, thrive, and stay rooted.
