The Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) Economic Development Action Committee presented its Third Annual Business Breakfast Series. The breakfast took place on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at Farmer’s Market Restaurant, in Florida City. Special guest speakers included: Althea Harris from Small Business Administration (SBA) and Cornell Crews Jr. from Partners for Self Employment, Inc. The main topic of discussion was Lending Possibilities for Small Businesses.
“The best part of my job with the Small Business Administration is meeting with entrepreneurs and future small business owners at events like this breakfast and sharing information about what our agency can provide,” SBA’s Althea Harris states. “Whether it’s free counseling from one of our resource partners, financing through our loan programs, or contracting opportunities through the federal government, SBA South Florida District has something for every south Florida entrepreneur or small business owner to access to start and grow their dreams.”
In keeping with the commitment as a community advocate, MDEAT’s Economic Development Action Committee (EDAC) is working with the Targeted Urban Areas (TUAs) in Miami-Dade County and gathering small businesses to network and explore opportunities in those areas.
The EDAC serves as the community’s vehicle to express concerns about economic development projects and events. The EDAC meets monthly at designated meeting sites to address citizens’ issues. All meetings are open to the public. The members of this committee include community leaders, economic development professionals, business representatives, and individuals from the community. Crews is also a member of the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust.
“We often receive calls at MDEAT from small businesses located in TUAs that are in need of capital to grow their business. Many of them do not have the ability to go to traditional financial institutions,” MDEAT Executive Director John E. Dixon, Jr. says. “In our efforts to assist these businesses, we have created an alliance with SBA to provide information to businesses in the TUAs to assist their need of additional capital.”
In addition to gaining capital, Dixon explains, “there are many technical assistance needs that are associated with these businesses that go well beyond access to capital. It is our goal to assist them where we can make the greatest impact for the growth and development of their company.”
For more information or to join MDEAT’s Economic Development Action Committee, please visit www.miamidade.gov/mdeat or call 305-375-5661, ext. 93472.
