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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
Purpose of the program
To create a consistent space for learning, organizing, and resource access so entrepreneurs can grow sustainably and build collective power.
Program Description
Negocios Activos is a monthly 2-hour virtual or in-person workshop series focused on different aspects of business development. Sessions are delivered in partnership with organizations that are subject-matter experts. The program combines a masterclass format with networking and resource-sharing to educate entrepreneurs, connect them to capital opportunities, and strengthen business resilience. It also organizes small business owners so they can build collective power and advocate for themselves. Topics may include network building, grant and loan information, meeting elected officials, climate resilience preparedness, anchor procurement opportunities, and more.
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
Learn, Connect, and Grow. Join the Next Negocios Activos Workshop
Biz Latina
Purpose of the program
To support Latina entrepreneurs in building resilient, scalable businesses through culturally responsive coaching, networks, and access to opportunity and capital.
Program Description
Biz Latina is designed to support Latina-led small businesses through applied training, mentorship, and network-building. The program blends operational support (marketing, finance, compliance, and business planning) with visibility opportunities and capital readiness guidance. Biz Latina serves as both a learning pathway and a community platform, helping participants grow sustainably while strengthening relationships, leadership, and economic opportunity across Allapattah.
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
Biz Latina: Where Latina Entrepreneurs Turn Vision into Growth: Join or Support
Tradición en Acción Community Activations
Purpose of the program
To activate the commercial corridor by increasing foot traffic and economic activity while preserving and celebrating Allapattah’s cultural identity.
Program Description
Community activations are designed to spur foot traffic, boost local spending, and preserve the cultural identity of the neighborhood. These events support local entrepreneurs, strengthen social cohesion, and create leadership opportunities for volunteers. They also serve as a platform to showcase local talent, promote existing businesses, introduce new businesses to diversify the commercial mix, and create a space where the community can come together.
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
Bring Your Business, Talent, or Partnership, and let’s activate Allapattah together
First Time Commercial Buyer Program
Purpose of the program
Prepare entrepreneurs to become commercial property owners by demystifying the acquisition process and supporting them through requirements, financing readiness, and next steps.
Program Description
The First Time Commercial Buyer Program prepares entrepreneurs to become storefront owners by demystifying the process and requirements of commercial real estate acquisition and providing technical assistance throughout. Group coaching is delivered in two 4-hour sessions, with monthly follow-ups to provide ongoing support through the real estate finance and acquisition process. The program aims to stabilize the community by preventing displacement of mom-and-pop businesses through legacy-building, cultural preservation, and wealth-building opportunities.
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
From Tenant to Owner: Join the Commercial Buyer Pathway or Support It
Coaching & Technical Assistance
Purpose of the program
To provide individualized support to strengthen business capacity, connect entrepreneurs to legal resources, and increase access to capital through grants, loans, and commercial financing.
Program Description
Business Navigators provide individualized attention to entrepreneurs seeking business coaching, professional legal referrals, or access to capital support. The Capital Readiness & Business Coaching Program offers one-on-one coaching and technical assistance to expand access to legal resources, strengthen business capacity, and increase capital readiness via loans, grants, and commercial mortgages. To date, the program has secured over $4.7MM in capital for entrepreneurs. With the right tools, knowledge, and capital, businesses can launch new products, replace equipment, attract new customers, expand services, and grow. The program also helps business owners implement the Business Growth Plan created in SBRC I. Support areas may include credit repair, internal controls and accounting, marketing and social media, and business plan creation. Upon completing SBRC I, participants can receive one-on-one support to establish accounting systems, build websites, improve social media marketing campaigns, strengthen credit, or develop a full business plan.
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