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Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, joined by representatives of economic development, nonprofit Prospera and Little Havana small business owners, recently announced the launch of the 2021 District 5 Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program at Josefina’s Beauty Salon, 1903 W. Flagler St.
This year, qualifying applicants are eligible to receive up to $5,000 to pay rent, purchase equipment, supplies, inventory, advertising/ marketing, and much more. Awardees also join the District 5 business network, gaining access to free resources, workshops, and trainings.
“Mom and pops are the backbone of our economy, and they’ve done their part to keep their doors open, keep staff employed, and adapt to the challenges of this new normal,” Commissioner Higgins said. “This year’s Mom and Pop grant program will continue to show all business owners, from the peluquería in West Flagler to the dry cleaner in South Beach, that they are not alone.”
Last summer, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Higgins activated these funds for the Retail Relief Small Business Grant Program to provide assistance to restaurants and retail storefronts forced to shut their doors. Through that program, Commissioner Higgins awarded $78,000 to District 5 businesses in need. This year, eligibility has been expanded to also include home-based businesses and independent contractors.
“I am extremely grateful to Commissioner Higgins and the District 5 team for how they have treated and helped me. They always answer my questions and assist me in everything I need,” said Josefina Perez, owner of Josefina’s Beauty Salon. “The Mom and Pop and Retail Relief programs have been a very important and necessary help. My business was heavily affected by the construction of Flagler Street and then by COVID-19, so the help they gave us was really needed. Commissioner Eileen has always cared and worked with us like family.”
Applications are available at www.miamidade.gov/district05 and accepted until Friday, Apr. 9, at 5 p.m. Applications must be submitted via email to SmallBusinessD5@MiamiDade.gov.
