Small Business Microgrant Awardees (2022)
SMALL BUSINESS AWARDEES FROM THE FIRST CYCLE
Through the Open for Business (OFB) program, we are distributing grants and loans to support historically underserved 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 small businesses 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.
Flea Market Emergency Inventory Relief
Before the competitive grant cycle opened, we also awarded $500-1,000 emergency inventory replacement grants to shopkeepers in the Hialeah Opa Locka and Tropicana Allapattah flea markets, both of whom suffered disruptions to their facilities in 2022. We are thankful to the City of Opa Locka and the Allapattah Collaborative CDC for stewarding these 84 grants on behalf of the Miami Open for Business fund.
Microgrant for Technology or Equipment Awardees
ALPHA INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT, LLC
Alpha International Transport LLC is a third party freight brokerage logistics firm; our company offers freight transportation arrangement solutions with our contracted cargo carrier partners for our contracted cargo shipping customers.
The OFB micro grant funding will be used to support our scaling team with the purchasing of new computers and related equipment, annual Ring Central phone service for our freight agents and annual Truck Stop transportation management system for our freight agents.
AZEEZ BAKARE STUDIOS LLC
Azeez Bakare Studios offers high-quality 3D visualization for firms, agencies, developers, and solopreneurs to help translate their ideas into reality.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of technology and equipment assets including 3D modeling and rendering software.
BERENBLUM BUSCH ARCHITECTURE INC
Berenblum Busch Architecture, inc. is a Miami-based architecture, planning and interior design firm providing services locally and internationally.
Founded in 2010 by industry leaders Gustavo Berenblum and Claudia Busch. The firm offers clients a collaborative design process resulting in a bespoke response to their needs that is shaped by their identity and values and take into consideration the unique physical and cultural context of each project. With over 40 years of joint architecture experience, the principals work closely with their team of exceptional designers in a practice that places technology, function, sustainability and the betterment of the human experience at the center of its work.
Funding will be used to purchase state-of-the-art 2D and 3D software that will keep the company at the forefront of the design industry. The new assets will enable us to expand our project base, deliver enhanced quality and reach additional customers. Securing new projects will allow us to keep our current staff and hire new employees.
COFFEE TAROT HOLISTIC CENTER LLC
Coffee Tarot Holistic Center is a company dedicated to the holistic well-being and beauty of men and women. The services and products are made with natural products developed by Latin and African-American women.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets including spa equipment, display fixtures, cell phone, and printer.
CORTEZA WOODWORK COMPANY
Corteza Woodwork Company specializes in installing millwork products in commercial projects, such as casinos, restaurants, and others, for millwork fabricators who manufacture cabinets, panels, and bars, among other products but do not have an installation department in their structure.
The OFB microgrant funds will be used to purchase a desk, computer, monitors, two laptops, and an iPad for the office and field work; and a GoPro to document the progress of our projects.
D & M LATIN CORP
D and M Latín Corp is an unisex beauty salon and spa services, well known as DBA Milena Unisex Salon.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase salon equipment including a hair dryer, chairs, and manicure and pedicure fixtures.
DISTINCOL INC.
Distincol Inc. operates as Puro Tinto Coffee, a family-owned coffee company based in Florida. Their goal is to bring the Colombian coffee culture to the US uniquely and modernly. they import coffee from our family-owned farms supporting the local coffee growers in Colombia. Their goal is to provide the best quality coffee beans and mark a difference in the coffee industry by importing coffee weekly to ensure the freshness of products. They have an online store where they ship coffee to all United States and an in-person location where customers can come and enjoy a cup of coffee or pick up our products. They want their coffee shop to be a pleasant place where anyone in the community can enjoy a deliciouscup of coffee, learn about preparation, and what would be the perfect roast and grind for them to take home. We want to make sure everyone lives an experience with us.
OFB grant funding will be used to purchase machinery for coffee preparation, such as a commercial espresso machine. They will also buy a commercial Burr grinder and three individual espresso grinders for production. They will purchase a panini press and refrigerated display case for their new food items, 2 portable consoles, and a retail POS station to help operations.
FRUIT OF LIFE LLC
Fruit of Life produces functional infused collagen drinks & CBD coffee under our brand “VOUKE.”
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of equipment including an espresso coffee machine, cooler, industrial blender, Ice making machine and K-cup coffee maker.
GOALNEWS LLC
Goalnews LLC provides a digital magazine to help Americans, men, and women, in Miami-Dade County and surroundings to uncover a rewarding professional career here in U.S.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets including movie and photo equipment, cellphone, computer, laptop, and equipment for presentation indoor and outdoor.
GOOD PRINT CORP
Goodprint is a full-service marketing and media agency specializing in graphic design, video production, social media advertising, printing, virtual reality, and live events. We stay ahead of the curve by incorporating the latest technology to help our clients showcase their value to the world.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets including one projector, one drone, an Oculus Quest Pro, and professional camera tripods.
IDEAL MUSIC BOX
We are Ideal Music Box, a musical instrument brand with a sustaining catalog of all kinds of accessories to export worldwide, developing musical products and acoustic equipment seeking excellence and quality and now we are proud to be in the United States. We sell, represent, and manufacture different musical instruments that are unique in the USA, such as our Venezuelan Cuatro.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase specialized machinery to assemble raw materials and products for our inventory and hardware assets.
KINGDOM BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC.
Kingdom Business solutions provide financial management services, booking management services, and financial education workshops within our local communities to impact business owners’ needs and families within the Community. We offer one on one mentor Services to everyone.
(KBS) provides one business training service to entrepreneurs that desire to take their businesses to the next level entrepreneurs with knowledge and certificates of a 6-week growth plan learning academy. This training has proven to help launch many small business owners within Miami-Dade County. Twice a month we gather groups of kids with their parents and educate the on financial management, understanding the importance of booking for their personal income.
LATINAS POWER INC
Latinas Power is the leading network of professional Hispanic women in the United States. Our mission is to empower 1 million Latinas and close the #LatinaEqualPay gap with education, coaching, networking, and traveling. We create an intimate space for Latinas to Connect, Learn, and Grow.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase hardware assets to build a Video Podcast studio including cameras, cell phones, monitors, microphones, headphones desktop computers, and lighting equipment.
LEO TRAVEL & TOURS INC
Business Solution Center provides reasonably priced services to the Miami-Dade County community, especially the Allapattah residents. Some of these services are translations, notarizations, marriage, divorce, and bookkeeping. Also, we provide immigration forms assistance, money remittance and sell airline tickets.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase hardware assets, including higher-capacity desktop computers, one laptop, one printer, one large monitor screen, an internet server, and a security system.
LUNA PSYCHOLOGY GROUP, P.A.
Luna Psychology group provides outpatient psychotherapy and psychological testing services to the South Florida community. We work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental health concerns
The Open For Business Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of psychological testing materials that will enhance our ability to provide services to individuals believed to be on the Autism Spectrum or have concerns related to ADHD, learning disorders, and a variety of mental health concerns. Measures used will provide diagnostic clarity and help inform future psychological and educational services.
MIA ELITE FOOTBALL
MIA ELITE FOOTBALL is a youth football program that serves underserved youth in Miami Dade County and surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide young athletes with the opportunity to learn and play the sport in a safe and supportive environment, while also teaching valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance. We strive to empower youth through football and help them reach their full potential on and off the field.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase updated player equipment and uniforms for the youth players in our program. This includes helmets, shoulder pads, and game and practice jerseys. These updates will ensure that our players have the necessary gear to play safely and comfortably and will also boost team morale and pride. Investing in equipment and uniforms is crucial for the development and success of our young athletes.
NATOUS HERBS LLC.
Natous Herbs is where you will find all natural Herbal Teas & Juices, handmade products, which aids women of all ages who suffer from PCOS & Problematic Skin. I started researching of the health benefits of plants, carrier oils & essentials oils when I was creating my line of holistic products. I wanted it not to only speak to the essence of who I am but to also be backed by scientific research. Natous herbs is not only focused on addressing exterior skin issues through our organic Skin care line. We also home in underlying feminine issues through the products and services that we offer.
The OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets for the business including desktop computers, laptops, business uniform, Business Vendor equipment, a business cell phone, Business melting and soap equipment, and security systems.
NITRO BARBER SHOP INC
My business is a barbershop responsible for providing a joint workspace that offers workers the space, technology and training necessary to launch a small business in Miami Dade County professional barbers.
The financing of the OFB micro subsidy will be used to support the purchase of work assets such as barbershop chairs, which would be a total of 13 of which will have unparalleled use.
PIKITIN LEARNING PROJECTS
Pikitin Learning projects is a publishing company that develops educational resources and programs to teach and promote multicultural values in bilingual classrooms and families through authentic music and books.
The OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets including computers, commercial printer, Wacom tablets for our own graphic designs projects, and hard-drive.
POWER BARBER SHOP CORP.
Power Barber Shop provides barber shop, unisex beauty salon, and nail salon services to families in the Allapattah neighborhood.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase manicure and pedicure chairs, Barbershop chairs & stations, and assets including barber supplies.
PRIME PROPOSAL GROUP INC.
Prime Proposal Group, Inc. is a certified State of Florida MBE/WBE, SBA WOSB, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MD-CPS) MBE/WBE certified, boutique small business consulting firm specializing in bid/RFP and grant writing, creative design, and administrative support for small and minority businesses to corporations and municipalities.
The OFB grant funds will be invested in hardware including computers and video and photography equipment, that will drive growth and revenue potential for small and minority-owned businesses by helping them seizing more contract awards at the federal, state, and local levels.
QUEEN EXTENSIONS LLC.
Queen extensions Llc dba The Queen Experience in Miami, Fl. We offer a variety of hair extensions, hair products, and tools such as satin bonnets, wraps, and hot combs. Are mission is to serve and educate all queens no matter their sex, race, or age to feel beautiful.
OFB Grants funds will be used on technology hardware such as computer, portable pos system, and printers.
SASTRERIA & CONFECCIONES AQUINO CORP
Sastreria y Confecciones Aquino provides custom tailoring and clothing design services to our community in Miami.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of new sewing machines for our atelier
SHOPHOWEL LLC
ShopHowell takes the guesswork out of being successful on e-commerce sites like Amazon.com, operating as a one-stop shop for e-commerce learning, consulting, and services.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase software subscriptions that will support our market expansion and the transition to providing our courses online and on-demand.
STK HANDS – FREE CORP
TICK-AMIS Hands-Free Phone Stickers enable complete hands-free usage of mobile devices (phones and tablets) without the need for bulky contraptions (selfie-sticks or phone holders) or special case sizes.
STICK-AMIS Hands-free Phone Stickers will invest the funding in equipment (camera set-up, green screen, lighting, displays, printers, pods) to help enhance our digital footprint.
SUITE 110 URBANWEAR LLC
Suite 110 Urbanwear is a lifestyle and streetwear store that stocks new clothing/shoes featuring the hottest styles and colors, providing an ever-changing showcase. Suite 110 is the official sellers of Historic Overtown “Colored Town” and Towner Lifestyle merchandise provided by The Shops of Overtown LLC, featuring t-shirts, caps, tote bags, and more.
Suite 110 Urbanwear Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets including Direct to Garment/Direct to Film Printer, Hat Press and Printer Inks
TASTE THE MANY TALENTS INC.
Taste the Many Talents provides an array of different cooking such as Healthy (No salt, No oil and No sugar), Vegan with little-processed ingredients, Soul Food, and an array of blended foods to clients locally and nationally. We also perform cooking classes and train the community and young adults in ways to enhance their skills by becoming skill chefs.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to purchase commercial equipment that will include steam ovens, gas range, warmer tower, fridge, freezer, mixer, air fryer, deep fryer, and a smoker.
TWOMATOS, INC.
TwoMatos, Inc. is a photography and graphic design company who works primarily with schools and dance studios. Many of the clients we service are in the Homestead and Hialeah area.
OFB Microgrant fund will be used to support the purchase of hardware assets including cameras, lenses, and a printer.
WE ARE MAJOR, LLC
MAJOR is a social enterprise and a one-stop shop for minority-owned businesses, providing underrepresented founders with access to advice, training, opportunities and resources that they may not otherwise have access to so that they can start, grow and be major.
The OFB Microgrant funding will be used toward transforming our business, allowing us to optimize our operations through the purchase of various software subscriptions allowing us to reach customers better.
XPONENTIAL LEARNING INC
La Petite Petra creates bilingual educational materials in paper and electronic format for children 3 to 9 years old. The materials are distributed physically through institutions and to individuals through our eLearning platform. Our goal is to bridge the gap between academic learning and life success.
The grants will be invested in our Customer Relationship Management platform which was optimized also to include our eLearning platform and to develop a robust follow-up strategy to close more deals.
YULY’ J NAILS CORP
Yuly’J Nails Corp is a family-owned nail spa salon that provide manicure and pedicure services to families in the community of Miami.
OFB Microgrant funding will be used to support the purchase of manicure and pedicure stations, equipment and fixtures to continue our services and improve the customer experience.