Miami-Dade begins latest round of BizUp
From David Volz
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Jean Monestime have launched the newest round of BizUp – a $1 million Business Innovation Start-Up Grant – for local small businesses. Businesses can apply online now through August 28th, and finalists will be invited to pitch their businesses before an expert panel of judges.
This program, managed in partnership with StartUP FIU Local and Bank of America, will award local startups direct grants worth up to $100,000 and provide finalists up to one year of robust technical support. Small businesses registered in Miami-Dade County, creating a positive community impact, and aligned with Mayor Levine Cava’s “Four E’s:” Equity, Engagement, Environment, and Economy should apply.
The top 30 finalists will pitch their ideas in person to a panel of investors and industry experts at one of two sessions on September 15-16, 2022 and Oct. 19-20, 2022. To be considered, businesses must submit a five-minute pre-recorded pitch and:
- Must be registered in Miami-Dade County
- Have been in business a minimum of one year or a maximum of five years in Miami-Dade County
- More than 51 percent ownership lives in Miami-Dade
- Have a positive community impact
- Operate in one of the following industries: technology, construction, food, retail and wholesale, or service providers
“Small businesses drive Miami-Dade’s economy. Through this innovative grant program, we can help our local entrepreneurs thrive,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I’m proud to have created this program with Commissioner Monestime, a small business champion. In total, BizUp will award $1 million to small businesses operating, hiring, and creating jobs right here in Miami-Dade County.”
“My goal in authoring BizUp was to assist with the sustainability of small businesses in our community, with a special focus on innovation and equity,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime. “I look forward to Miami-Dade County creating more small business success stories and becoming even more of a hub for entrepreneurs to realize their vision of business formation and contribution to the South Florida economy.”
Film Commission named Film Lauderdale begins work
From David Volz
With a new Film Commission, named Film Lauderdale, Broward County has become a film-friendly community, with new incentives to attract the lucrative film and television industry. The priority is to create high paying jobs, bring in new sources of revenue for businesses big and small, and brand Broward County nationwide. This was discussed at the recent Broward County Film Summit.
“We’re bringing film back to Broward. We’re in the center of the tri-county area. We have numerous locations ideal for productions and we have a talented film and television core here,” said Broward Commissioner Steve Geller. “My number one goal is to bring high-paying jobs to Broward County.” Geller sponsored initiatives that created the new Film Commission and film incentives that were passed unanimously by Broward Commissioners.
“The Film Commission has created a new permitting process. Our office will be the point to contact for film, television and production companies wanting to do business here. We speak “production” and we speak “government” and are the conduit between the film and television production community and government entities to ensure a streamlined process,” said Film Commissioner Sandy Lighterman. As a result of the new Film incentive program, the new Film Commission currently has six projects in works.
Also announced at the Summit are conceptual plans by the Fort Lauderdale Film Studios Initiative to build a 350,000 square foot sound stage complex. Preliminary plans will include 10 soundstages, production and post-production offices, warehouse and mill space, and a commissary. The $150 million studio would be located on 61 acres north of Sunrise Boulevard and east of Northwest 31st Avenue, on what’s known as the Wingate property in Fort Lauderdale.
“If all goes as planned, we are expected to open within an estimated eighteen months. The film incentives are the first step on the table and then our production studio will be able to service them. We’re also planning to build a film school on the site,” said Fort Lauderdale Studio Initiative Director/Producer DJ Viola.
