NONPROFIT AWARDEES FROM FIRST FUNDING CYCLE

Through the Open for Business (OFB) program, we support historically underserved, minority-led small businesses and nonprofits to build resilience and generational wealth through asset ownership.

The objective of the Microgrant for Technology or Equipment is to provide funding support to nonprofit organizations and small businesses to purchase critical hardware, software, and machinery assets to grow their business. Below are the microgrant awardees from nonprofit organizations we recognize from the first round of funding. 

Applicants not chosen in a round may apply in future cycles. Upcoming rounds will be announced on our website and through our newsletter. 

Arts & Culture

Art Prevails Project

Art Prevails Project is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 performing and literary arts organization. We are committed to impacting South Florida and beyond by providing engaging and authentic artistic and cultural experiences through performance and education.  We strive to entertain, educate, and inspire by utilizing a multidisciplinary approach rooted in theatre and creative writing. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets, including laptops, printers, digital cameras, projectors, and audio/microphone systems. 

Brévo Theatre 

The mission of Brévo Theatre is to enrich the community, share thought-provoking narratives, and create nurturing environments through the arts. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase/upgrade of website development and software subscriptions, including video editing, email marketing, and survey subscription services. 

DVCAI 

The mission of Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, Inc. is to promote, nurture, and cultivate the vision and diverse talents of emerging artists from the Caribbean and Latinx Diaspora through our exhibitions program, artist-in-residence program, international exchange program, and educational outreach activities that celebrate Miami-Dade County’s rich cultural and social fabric. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets that will be used for art digitization, such as scanners, laptops, printers, and external storage devices. 

Edge Zones, Inc.

Edge Zones (EZ) is an artist–run non-profit dedicated to strengthening the contemporary art environment in Miami. EZ provides opportunities and resources for under-recognized artists, making contemporary art accessible and engaging. Through the creation of encounters and cultural exchanges, EZ promotes the development of a network of artists and centers around the Caribbean, South, and Central America and creates a focal point for research and awareness. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of equipment assets to improve the art gallery, including air conditioning units and ducts, floors, and sheetrock. 

 Peter London Global Dance Company, Inc.

The mission of Peter London Global Dance Company (PLGDC) is to advance the Founding Artistic Director’s vision to offer new choreography of the highest artistic caliber grounded in Miami’s diverse and rich multicultural heritage. The Company’s core focus is to produce new works by its Founding Artistic Director, train and mentor new generations of South Florida dancers and choreographers and create unparalleled opportunities to showcase their talent to the world. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets, including a projector, camera, and laser printer. 

Civic Engagement, Advocacy, & Equity

Beyond the Bars

The mission of Beyond the Bars (BTB) is to build the collective power and self-determination of incarcerated people and their families in Miami, changing the carceral system from the ground up. Our vision is a society in which all people are safe, whole, and free and live in thriving communities. As a base-building and community-power building organization for people impacted by the carceral system, BTB is the first organization of its kind in Miami. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for a computer station, including laptops, and mobile hotspots, as well as prepaid mobile phones, membership ID card printers, and audiovisual equipment. 

Economic & Community Development

79th Street Corridor Neighborhood Initiative LLC

The Mission of the 79th Street Corridor Initiative is to use a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) approach, along with existing community assets, to transform 79th street corridor neighborhoods into a community of choice for people to live, work and visit. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of equipment assets for the incubator, including a conference table, chairs, and a large multifunction copy/print machine. 

BAC Funding Consortium, Inc.

BAC Funding Consortium, Inc. is committed to the creation and long-range development of a successful entrepreneur and business class in South Florida to include Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. By working toward this goal, we create an economic balance that perpetuates wealth for all of South Florida. In particular, we will provide investment capital for the specific purpose of benefiting low-income persons and low-income communities of South Florida. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase/upgrade of the following software used for lending and underwriting to minority small businesses: Sage BusinessWorks Accounting, The Mortgage Office Lending Software, Dunn & Bradstreet, Credit Bureau Services. 

Black Economic Development Coalition Inc  

Tools for Change’s mission is to assist small business owners(we focus on  disadvantaged, minority, women, and veteran) in Miami-Dade County with lending and technical assistance. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets, including monitors, printers, laptops, headsets, external data storage devices, document shredder, and tablets. 

Pierre Toussaint Leadership And Learning Center Inc 

The Pierre Toussaint Leadership & Learning Center, PTLLC, is committed to serving families from the most poverty-stricken, treacherous neighborhoods of Little Haiti-Miami. We work closely with local schools, community action agencies, and ministries at Notre Dame D’Haiti in order to identify those who are in critical need. PTLLC offers programs to address the literacy needs of adult and children. PTLLC offers an After-School program, an Adult Literacy Program, and is home to Little Haiti’s only Technology Lab that offers classes to bridge the digital divide. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for the PTLLC Technology Lab, including loaner laptops, printers, scanners, projectors, smartboards, and data storage devices. 

Thelma Gibson Health Initiative (TGHI)

The mission of Thelma Gibson Health Initiative (TGHI) is to reduce barriers for low-income residents, ensuring proactive behaviors, better health and ultimately improving quality of life and the ability to live, work, socialize, and prosper.  Our program is designed for our clients to reduce stress, improve health, mental health and enhance foundational skills and tools necessary to resolve crises and avoid future hardships through improved family functioning, improved employability and housing. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of machinery and equipment assets for the culinary training restaurant, including industrial stove, refrigerator/freezer, and food prep equipment. 

Education & Youth

Avenues Of Excellence, Inc.

Avenues of Excellence, Inc., is a professional development company in Miami, Florida. Avenues of Excellence is dedicated to training and educating individuals, companies, and organizations in the protocol, etiquette, work readiness, and professional development.  Through carefully created educational training and programs, Avenues of Excellence established a clientele list that expands across universities, youth groups, community organizations, and Fortune 500 corporations. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of software, including direct mail subscriptions, social media management, and email marketing subscriptions, and video editing software. 

Do Good 41 Inc. 

Do Good 41’s mission is to empower and enlighten underprivileged youth and families so they can envision a positive future and brighter tomorrow through mentoring, technology, sports, and challenging educational programs. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for the STEAM Lab, including computer parts, robots, drones, display panels, and fabrication equipment. 

Fab Lab Miami 

Fab Lab Miami aims to inspire and nurture the pursuit of coursework and careers in STEAM through a maker-driven, hands-on experience with digital fabrication and STEAM activities. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for the maker space, including robotics, tablets, 3D VR headsets, and mini drones. 

Kids N Touch Academy 

The goal of Kids N Touch Academy is to fill the after-hour mental health service gap, especially for low-income children of color, by implementing an innovative approach to mental health services. We aim to improve overall well-being and contribute to lowering anxiety and stress, improving self-awareness and self-esteem, strengthening relationships, regulating behaviors, and advancing social skills for our children. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of software for mental health counseling services, professional cameras, and computers/laptops. 

Miami Police Athletic League 

The mission of the Miami Police Athletic League (Miami PAL) is to foster a positive relationship between the City of Miami Police Department and the youth of the City of Miami through educational activities, the arts, mentoring, and athletics.  Miami PAL offers a safe and healthy environment for its youth, allowing them to develop academically, socially, mentally, and physically under the supervision of caring Miami Police Officers, Miami PAL staff, teachers, community supporters, and volunteers.  Through positive interactions and mentoring, Miami PAL provides youth with the tools they need to achieve a successful future. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for the Little Haiti center STEM programming, including laptops, printers, 3D printers, and robotics equipment. 

Moonlighter FabLab 

The mission of Moonlighter FabLab is to empower makers with the skills, tools, and opportunities to shape a better future.  Our mission is realized through our four pillars: Education – via our STEAM Learning Center.   Access – via our Shared Fabrication Lab.   Collaboration – via our Community Projects.   Outreach – via our annual Maker Faire Miami and other community events + activations. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for STEAM education, including laptop computers, 3D printers, VR/AR equipment, and circuitry kits. 

Roots Collective 

The Roots Collective Corporation’s mission is to promote cultural awareness in our community while providing safe and enriching programming for youth. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets, including laptops and hotspot connectivity devices. 

Sweet Home Academy

The mission of Sweet Home Academy is to provide services to help empower and improve the lives of residents of Miami-Dade County and surrounding communities by providing resources and self-advocacy skills to attain and support self-sufficiency. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for students, including laptops, desktops, and printers. 

The Lucy Project. Inc. 

The Lucy Project advocates for children who struggle to read and provides full and fair access to evidence-based literacy intervention. We envision a future where all children read. Children with learning differences need individualized, specialist support. Schools simply do not have the resources and human power to make this happen. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for distance learning, including laptops and document cameras. 

Faith Based Programs & Services

Fulford United Methodist Church

The mission of Fulford United Methodist Church is to be a diverse community of faith with a common language of love. We do this by making disciples of Christ who will share the love of God, through Jesus Christ, to a world in need. Our vision is to be a transformational presence of hope and healing in the community. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of machinery and equipment assets for the kitchen and fellowship hall, including a commercial stove, tables and chairs, ice machine, sound system. 

Health & Wellness

Joshua’s Heart Foundation 

Joshua’s Heart Foundation is a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit, youth-run organization, which empowers needy people to improve their quality of life by providing necessities like groceries and personal items. JHF also effectively engages and educates youth on committing to fighting hunger and poverty on a global basis. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets to operate the food distribution, including barcode scanners and laptops. 

Social & Community Support Services

Glory House of Miami

Glory House Mission: Reach, Rescue, and Restore Victims of Human Trafficking. A Christ-centered non-profit is dedicated to healing those that suffered the abuse & exploitation of sex trafficking. Glory House offers services such as trauma counseling, medical, social services, legal, reintegration, spiritual, educational, & career support. We provide a safe space for those broken by abuse. We educate through events, social media, and the “Hands That Heal” curriculum to help stop abuse & exploitation caused by Sex/Human Trafficking 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for the safe house/shelter, including desktop computers, printers, cell phones, monitors, and security systems. 

The Smile Trust

The Smile Trust seeks to reduce the vulnerability to Hurricane Disasters in low-income communities through community organizing, engagement activities, and outreach disaster preparedness/emergency planning. Our primary focus within the low-income areas of Miami-Dade County is pre-disaster homeless populations. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets, including laptops, desktops, docking stations, connectivity devices, and telephonic equipment. 

TransSOCIAL, Inc.

TransSOCIAL’s mission is to expand safe and affirming resources for our Trans, gender-expansive, and Intersex community. We accomplish this through comprehensive case management services, including name and gender marker change assistance, legal assistance, peer support group, social events, and TLGBQ+ cultural sensitivity training for community partners. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for staff, including laptops, tablets, and printer/scanners. 

Village Freedge Inc

Village FREE(dge) Inc is working to combat food insecurity, food waste, and the lack of fresh food options for Liberty City residents. 

OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of machinery and equipment assets for the pantry, including a commercial refrigerator, freezer, and ID card printer.