Choose the program
Community Asset & Preservation
Community Assets and Preservation advances community ownership in Allapattah by identifying, evaluating, and acquiring strategic real estate assets that protect small businesses and community-serving organizations from displacement. The program supports entrepreneurs and micro-developers in pursuing storefront ownership and long-term property management while advancing community-centered development. It works with public and private partners to secure capital through traditional and innovative equity and debt sources for acquisition and preservation. By collaborating with finance and development experts, the initiative helps close projects that stabilize commercial corridors, create pathways to wealth-building, and ensure longtime residents and businesses can remain and benefit from neighborhood growth.
Program Benefits
Prevents displacement by stabilizing commercial and community assets
Creates pathways to storefront ownership and wealth-building
Unlocks impact-aligned capital and leverages public-private partnerships
Strengthens local business permanence and community resilience
Preserves cultural identity through community-controlled development
Community Planning Academy
The Community Planning Academy is a 12-week, intergenerational program that equips Allapattah residents, business owners, youth, and seniors with the knowledge and tools to effectively participate in neighborhood planning, cultural preservation, and civic decision-making. Through lectures, workshops, and coaching, participants learn how local government works, how to access public information, and how to advocate for community priorities. Topics include zoning, development, public safety, affordable housing, transit-oriented development, placemaking, and historic preservation. By connecting stakeholders to planning processes and public agencies, the academy develops informed community stewards who can help shape Allapattah’s future while protecting its culture and addressing local needs. Topics include place-making strategies, zoning, transit-oriented development, affordable housing, and more.
Program Benefits
More informed and educated residents about local planning initiatives
Improved access to public resources and programs
Improved sense of community, place and pride
Homeownership Program
The Homeownership Program helps Allapattah residents purchase homes while strengthening neighborhood stability. It provides a clear pathway to homeownership through first-time homebuyer education, financial readiness coaching, credit improvement support, and guidance on mortgage options and down-payment assistance based on eligibility. Participants receive help with budgeting, debt management, and organizing financial documentation to prepare for the homebuying process. The program also works with partners to expand and protect attainable homeownership opportunities in the neighborhood. By connecting individual homeownership goals with broader housing strategies, the initiative helps residents build long-term stability, preserve community roots, and invest in Allapattah’s future.
Program Benefits
Clear, supported path to first-time homeownership
Improved credit and financial readiness
Reduced barriers to navigating mortgages and requirements
Greater family stability and ability to remain in the neighborhood
Connections to trusted partners and housing resources
Negocios Activos
Negocios Activos is a monthly two-hour workshop series that gives entrepreneurs a consistent space to learn, connect, and access resources that support sustainable growth. Held virtually or in person, each session combines expert-led masterclasses, peer networking, and resource sharing. The program brings together subject-matter experts from financial institutions, local and county government, anchor institutions, procurement partners, and organizations such as Grow with Google and BizHack. Topics include access to capital, grants and loans, digital tools, procurement opportunities, climate resilience, and relationship building. By connecting small business owners to practical information, commercial opportunities, and one another, Negocios Activos strengthens business resilience and expands pathways for growth. It also helps entrepreneurs build collective power, engage with local decision-makers, and advocate for their needs. Designed to reach businesses at different stages, the program ensures participants receive meaningful support, stronger networks, and tools for long-term economic stability.
Program Benefits
Direct access to expert guidance and timely information
Increased exposure to grants, loans, and capital pathways
Stronger networks and collaboration opportunities
Greater readiness for changing economic conditions
Collective organizing and stronger small business voice
Biz Latina
Biz Latina supports Latina entrepreneurs in building resilient, scalable businesses through culturally responsive coaching, mentorship, and community. The program combines practical training in marketing, finance, compliance, and business planning with visibility opportunities, leadership development, and capital readiness support. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaborative activities, participants strengthen decision-making, set clear business and financial goals, and expand their professional networks. Biz Latina also creates a supportive space where women entrepreneurs share resources, opportunities, and encouragement. By helping Latina-led businesses launch, grow, and lead with confidence, the program expands economic opportunity and strengthens Miami’s diverse small business ecosystem for future generations and communities.
Program Benefits
Tailored support aligned with the needs of Latina entrepreneurs
Mentorship and peer networks that reduce isolation and barriers
Stronger operations, marketing, and financial management
Capital readiness support and resource connections
Increased visibility and opportunities for business growth
Tradición en Acción Community Activations
Community activations strengthen Allapattah’s commercial corridor by increasing foot traffic, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the neighborhood’s cultural identity. Originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as Tradición en Acción, the initiative began as an intergenerational program connecting youth, entrepreneurs, and elders through music, poetry, and art. Building on that foundation, it now activates public spaces and commercial areas through cultural workshops, community planning sessions, and neighborhood events. Activities such as mask painting, domino tournaments, and cultural showcases honor local traditions while creating opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, and residents to engage. Partnerships with schools, churches, and city departments connect the community to resources, services, and civic participation. Regular gatherings bring people outdoors, strengthen social bonds, showcase neighborhood talent, preserve heritage, and stimulate local spending. By combining culture, commerce, and community connection, these activations help create a more vibrant, inclusive, and economically active Allapattah.
Program Benefits
Increased visibility and sales opportunities for local businesses
Stronger corridor vibrancy and community participation
Celebration and preservation of local culture and identity
Platforms for artists, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood leadership
Opportunities to introduce new business offerings and partnerships
First Time Commercial Buyer Program
Launched in 2023, the First Time Commercial Buyer Program is the first initiative of its kind in South Florida. It prepares Allapattah entrepreneurs to purchase property through cohort-based training, one-on-one technical assistance, and coaching throughout the acquisition process. The curriculum covers market fundamentals, property evaluation, due diligence, financing options, loan preparation, and building a professional team. Graduates receive ongoing coaching and connections to lenders, legal partners, and the Miami Small Business Commercial Acquisition Fund. Participants leave with organized financial documentation, an acquisition roadmap, and lender relationships—helping transform small business tenants into property owners while preventing displacement and building wealth.
Program Benefits
Clear understanding of steps, documents, and deal requirements
Support navigating financing options and readiness
Reduced risk through informed decision-making
Stronger pathway to storefront ownership and stability
Long-term legacy and wealth-building opportunity for local businesses
Coaching & Technical Assistance
The Capital Readiness & Business Coaching Program provides individualized support to help entrepreneurs strengthen business capacity, access legal resources, and secure capital. Through one-on-one coaching with ACDC facilitators and professional service providers, participants receive guidance on credit repair, accounting systems, internal controls, marketing, social media, and business planning. The program also helps business owners implement growth plans developed in SBRC I while preparing them to pursue grants, loans, and commercial financing. To date, it has helped entrepreneurs secure more than $4.7 million in capital. By building financial readiness and operational capacity, the initiative enables businesses to expand, invest, attract customers, and grow sustainably.
Program Benefits
Personalized coaching tied to measurable business goals
Increased readiness for grants, loans, and commercial financing
Connections to trusted legal and professional support
Stronger accounting, controls, marketing, and planning capacity
Greater sustainability and growth opportunities over time