Awardee Photo Gallery
To explore how our grants have positively impacted the companies listed below, simply click on their names. You’ll be able to read their stories and visit their websites for more details.
Blossom Group Florida
Blossom Group Florida (Blossom Group®) is a dynamic multi-disciplinary team that creates a safe and supportive space for children, adults and families to discover balance, cultivate joy, and experience true wellbeing wellness. Blossom Group delivers therapy to Miami Dade public school students. Laptops, acquired through the OFB award, aid in therapy documentation and support within school settings.
DJ Styles Natural Hair Salon
DJ Styles Natural Hair Studio specializes in natural curly hair care, curly cuts, braids, twists locs, smoothing treatments, hair extensions, and many other protective styling services.With support from the Miami Open For Business Grant, DJ Styles Natural Hair Salon utilizes top-notch equipment for premier hair care and trichology services, including scalp assessments, restoration treatments, and hair loss light therapy.
Cornerstone Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy, LLC
We are committed to showing property-owners the benefits of better plant selection, arrangement, proper watering methods and more. Native landscaping supports biodiversity and pollination, helping to restore and protect South Florida’s delicate native ecosystem.Thanks to the Miami Open For Business grant, Cornerstone Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy, LLC upgraded to a smaller, more powerful laptop, significantly improving our ability to offer medication management services in-person or virtually.
Fonsis LLC
Fonsis LLC is residential and commercial construction company, providing services to South Florida since 2001. With the OFB grant, Fonsis LLC obtains a commercial pressure washing machine, showcased in the photo. This equipment enhances our business, leveling the government contracting field for small enterprises.
Neyci Braids N Beauty
Neyci Braids N Beauty is a beauty salon specializing in braids, natural products and curls. Neyci Braids N Beauty utilizes OFB Microgrant funds to acquire advanced salon equipment, empowering job growth and the introduction of innovative training programs in hair extension and braid styling.
Avenues of Excellence, Inc.
Avenues of Excellence Finishing School is a distinguished non-profit professional development company, exclusively devoted to offering comprehensive training and education in protocol, social decorum, charm school lessons, business etiquette, and professional growth. Thanks to the Miami Foundation’s generous grant, their direct mail, social media, email marketing, and video editing have all improved, enhancing their visibility and community impact significantly.
Collective Sistahood Inc
Collective Sistahood is a non-profit that provides services to Black and Brown youth, to cultivate new partnerships and friendships, and promote social welfare in society. Collective Sistahood Inc’s senior ambassadors, Brenda P. Davis and Dorothy Potter, alongside Joquetta, also known as Ms. Joey, the CEO, of Collective Sistahood are expanding their programs and outreach efforts for seniors.
Fanm Saj, Inc
Fanm Saj is a non-profit network of Black women and youth challenging all forms of oppression using healing spaces to show a new way of being and leading for a new economy. Empowering youth economically, Fanm Saj facilitates product creation for awareness on disrupting violence, criminalization, and promoting restorative and healing justice initiatives.
The Erzule Paul Foundation
The Erzule Paul Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides children and families impacted by poverty, displacement, and tragedy with clothing, food, and education for sustenance and self-sufficiency. With OFB Microgrant funding, The Erzule Paul Foundation amplifies displaced voices by acquiring critical hardware like smartphones, microphones, lighting, cameras, and laptops, fostering self-sufficiency and resource access.
NaMa Native Landscapes
NaMa Native Landscapes offers a sustainable alternative to combat the negative impact that traditional landscaping practices have caused and are continuosly causing to our environment and economy. These practices include plant selection, arrangement, and proper watering methods. Beaming with joy, Nama Native Landscapes’ truck and crew celebrate winning the ABLE Award from Miami Open for Business, showcasing their native landscaping business with pride in the Magic City!
Publigraphic LLC
Publigraphic, a design and advertising company provides digital art, brand strategy and printing services to elevate the image of every business and project to the next level. With OFB microgrant funding they have developed their website which is crucial for furthering their mission and bolstering online presence.
Threaded By Lavish
Threaded By Lavish is dedicated to crafting and customizing exquisite wigs that not only look and feel natural but also express the individuality of each client. Threaded By Lavish utilized the OFB award to procure a banner, tablecloth, wagon, tripod stand, camera system, and selfie light, amplifying brand presence and client engagement for vending and salon endeavors.
Bella Fiore Landscaping LLC
Bella Fiore Landscaping designs and constructs quality landscapes, driven by a passion and love for our profession. With Miami Open for Business (OFB) support, Bella Fiore Landscaping LLC purchased a truck, fostering growth and expanding their capacity to generate employment.
305 Pink Pack
305 Pink Pack is a non-profit that provides vital direct and support services to women in cancer treatment in South Florida, at no cost. 305 Pink Pack, a fully remote organization, provides cancer patient support at treatment centers, libraries, and resource centers. The Open for Business Grant facilitated the purchase of essential portable technology and software.
CEO Financial Literacy Academy
CEO Financial Literacy Academy, a non-profit, empowers at-risk youth, single parents, students, and those facing homelessness through education, life skills, mentorship, and certifications. With support from the Miami Open For Business Grant, CEO Financial Literacy Academy expands its influence. Utilizing advanced technology, they reach students nationwide, making financial literacy education engaging and accessible.
Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator (DVCAI)
Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator is a non-profit with a commitment to Caribbean and Latin American Diaspora artists; ensuring they receive validation, visibility and professional opportunities. The Open For Business grant allows DVCAI to advance its digital efforts with new equipment which enhances DVCAI’s mission to nurture emerging Caribbean and Latin American Diaspora artists’ vision and creativity.
Miami Growth Machine
Miami Growth Machine offers beauty and other CPG startups the capabilities and deep industry knowledge necessary to develop winning products. With expertise in no-minimum beauty product manufacturing, Miami Growth Machines leveraged the OFB award to invest in a flexible air compressor, elevating thier capacity to serve clients across diverse production lines.
Mookaite Juice
Mookaite juice recipes are made from ingredients that promote detoxification, helping reduce inflammation, and supporting the immune system. With support from OFB, Mookaite Juice executed a rebranding, earning supermarket placement. This strategic move bolstered sales and steers them toward national expansion, a significant business milestone achieved.
Black Economic Coalition d/b/a Tools For Change
Tools For Change is a CDFI Fund that was established in 1989 to address the economic disparity amongst African American, minority, disadvantaged, woman, and veteran owned small businesses in Miami Dade County. Tools for Change has used OFB Microgrant funding to support the purchase of computers, keyboards, and shredders that allows them to aid more clients and implement new strategies.
Positive People Network Inc
Positive People Network Inc. provides services to empower, strengthen and uplift all people living with HIV/AIDS. People Positive Network’s CEO, Mrs. Alecia Tramel-McIntyre, and Vice President, Mrs. Gena Grant, utilize a MacBook Pro, purchased with the the OFB grant, to advance their mission, improving support for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
MUJER INC. and Kristi House
MUJER and Kristi House will establish a permanent coordinated victims assistance center in Homestead for their work on behalf of women, children and families who are overcoming abuse. The Healing Sanctuary will serve as a beacon of hope and healing for those in the southern region of Miami-Dade County while enabling continued, sustainable operations for the essential services these community organizations provide.
Designs by Sommer LLC
Designs by Sommer is a hair salon and an online clothing boutique. Sommer used microgrant funding to purchase new furniture and technology for the salon. Sommer says: “Even our four-legged team member wags her tail in approval, clearly thrilled by the myriad of paw-sibilities that the Miami Open for Business initiative has unleashed for our venture!”
Blossom Group Florida (2)
Blossom Group Florida (Blossom Group®) is a dynamic multi-disciplinary team, providing high quality services and commitment to wellness for children and adults. With the OFB award, Blossom Group enhances program operations, providing therapists with laptops for real-time documentation, enriching after-school programs with technology, and implementing HIPAA-compliant software.
Moonlighter FabLab
Moonlighter FabLab, a nonprofit that offers STEAM education, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase hardware assets to support their learning center and fabrication lab opportunities, such as their Community Upskilling Workshops that teach technology and design.
“The laptops enable us to run programs flexibly in our space, or in schools and community centers across Miami-Dade County.”
Prime Proposal Group, Inc.
Prime Proposal Group, a small business consulting firm, has used OFB Microgrant funding to support the purchase of computers and video photography equipment that allows them to cater to a wider array of client needs without sacrificing quality.
“Receiving this grant has served as a catalyst for elevating our technical writing and design firm to serve even more clients by helping to boost productivity and revenue.”
WE ARE MAJOR, LLC dba MAJOR
We Are Major, a one-stop shop for minority-owned businesses that provides consulting services, has used OFB Microgrant funding to support the purchase of various softwares that allows them to better reach their customers.
“Thanks to the generous OFB award, we secured an annual subscription to Zoom and other essential software, enhancing our ability to connect, collaborate, and drive our business growth.”
ShopHowell
ShopHowell, an e-commerce and design consulting services provider, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase software to support market expansion and the launching of their online course program.
“Winning the Miami’s OFB Grant was a turning point, empowering us to leverage premium platforms and optimize our workflow, ensuring sustained growth and enhanced service quality.”
Ideal Music Box LLC.
Ideal Music Box, a musical instrument retailer, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase specialized machinery to assemble raw materials and products, such as manufacturing Cuatros (string instruments) in Miami, FL for the first time.
VOUKE
Vouke, a producer of clean energy drinks, has used OFB Microgrant funding to transition from using plastic bottles to aluminum cans, as well as revamp their website and integrate technology that enables them to generate leads and target their audience more effectively through enhanced digital capabilities.
“This innovative step marks a significant milestone in our journey towards greater sustainability and improved customer convenience.”
GoalNews LLC
GoalNews, a digital soccer magazine that helps advance knowledge of American Soccer and inspires the youth to confidently pursue their dream of a soccer career in the U.S., has used OFB Microgrant funding to acquire computers and cameras that enables them to grow their business.
Queen Extensions LLC
Queen Extensions, a hair extensions supplier, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase technology that allows for the creation of new and improved content, products, and the maximization of marketing skills.
PIERRE TOUSSAINT LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING CENTER INC
The Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center, a nonprofit that offers educational opportunities, has used OFB Microgrant funding to support their laptop loaner program and their annual Hackathon, where youth gathered to work on and solve everyday problems using technology.
“Having the additional laptops allowed them to work in individual teams to create their final presentations, including creating a full website to showcase their final projects.”
Goodprint Media
Goodprint Media, a full-service marketing and media company, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase hardware assets that will help their clients showcase their value to the world, such as the drone used to take this photo atop the Freedom Tower.
“This new beauty empowers Goodprint Media with additional capabilities, such as projection mapping and virtual reality development, which in turn benefit our community by offering new services on the menu”
TransSOCIAL, Inc.
TransSOCIAL, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding safe and affirming resources for the Transgender community, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase laptops, tables, and printer/scanners for their staff.
Featured here is “Administrative Coordinator, Speyder, utilizing our new technology to keep our nonprofit’s accounting up to date!”
Edge Zones Inc.
Edge Zones, an artist–run nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the contemporary art environment in Miami, has used OFB Microgrant funding to enhance facilities, improve functionality, as well as increase safety and security for their art exhibitions.
“Overall, the grant has transformed our center into a polished and welcoming venue, allowing for creativity and cultural engagement.”
Brévo Theatre
Brévo Theatre, a nonprofit that shares thought-provoking narratives and creates nurturing environments through the arts, has used OFB Microgrant funding to redesign their new website and streaming platform, “Brévo Blackbox,” featured here in use by their patrons in the comfort of their home.
Peter London Global Dance Company
Peter London Global Dance Company, a nonprofit that trains and mentors South Florida dancers and choreographers, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase hardware assets that will improve flexibility and efficiency for their touring dance company.
“The award will help us to increase our communication capacity by acquiring computer and printing equipment that has increased capacity for storage, faster speed, and apps that help with advanced marketing for a higher level of printing programs for small scale events.”
Kids N Touch Academy
Kids N Touch Academy, an after-hour mental health service nonprofit, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase laptops and tablets for participants to borrow via a sign-out and return process for counseling sessions, as well as a camera and software that will assist with Telehealth.
Fab Lab Miami
Fab Lab Miami, a nonprofit that offers engaging programming on digital fabrication and other STEAM activities, has used OFB Microgrant funding to purchase virtual reality technology, drones, and robots for their youth programs.
“Embracing emerging technologies empowers students to unleash their creativity, expand their design capabilities, and embark on a journey of innovation and exploration.”
Azeez Bakare Studios LLC
Mookaite Juice
1. Brand Revitalization: We invested in redesigning our bottle packaging, making our products more appealing and competitive in the market. 2. Market Expansion: The grant enabled us to enter new gym outlets, broadening our customer base and increasing sales. 3. Online Business Launch: We established an online store, creating an additional revenue stream and reaching a wider audience. 4. Sustained Retail Presence: The funding allowed us to maintain and grow our presence in a supermarket and various independent stores in Miami Beach, ensuring consistent product availability and sales.
Fonsis LLC
We were able to buy an industrial pressure cleaning machine with the grants funds. With this machine, we were able to reduce our cost of labor including a decrease in mobilization expenses. We increased our capabilities to provide commercial pressure cleaning to government agencies. Like the Jackson Health System.
Smart Network Solutions Communications
Thanks to Miami Open for Business for the technology grant that allowed us to acquire computers to work faster, more efficiently, and with greater impact. This support helps us grow, create jobs, and empower Latinos, women, and small businesses.
The Dennis Project, Inc.
Many of the youth and community centers we serve do not have access to devices. The OFB grant helped provide the kits and laptop computers needed to expand our tech programs in low-income areas.
Jackson Academy
Our OFB award will allow us to accommodate our technology programs at more venues whether they have a computer lab or not. We will now be able to bring our own computer lab with us and know that the children will all be able to access equipment to match the knowledge we are sharing. Our programs are no longer limited to virtual programs, venues or participants who already have the software and tech access.
Miami EdTech, Inc.
Empowering the next generation of tech leaders! This photo captures our AI apprentice utilizing tech thanks to the Miami Foundation Open for Business Technology Microgrant. Thanks to the grant, we’ve equipped our apprentices with cutting-edge tools to enhance their learning experience. This award has enabled us to continue to enhance our training program with advanced tools, fostering skill development and supporting our organization’s growth in tech education.
MIRA USA
A heartfelt thank you to The Miami Foundation for their generous grant award! Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to invest in essential technology, software, and equipment—enhancing our efficiency and expanding our impact. This funding allows us to better serve our local immigrant communities, empowering them with the resources they need to thrive. Together, we are making a difference!
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