Thrive305 > Priorities & Actions > Priority 5 > Action 2

5.2: Support start-up and scale-up businesses through training and coaching

Issue Statement and Context

Miami-Dade has a historically high rate of entrepreneurship, consistently ranking among the top metropolitan areas in the U.S. for number of new business startups. But we also consistently rank near the bottom in terms of the growth and survival of new businesses. Given the devastating impact of the pandemic on our small businesses and entrepreneurs, more than ever, our entrepreneurs need the tools, resources, and knowledge to succeed, particularly in our underserved communities.

The Mayor’s Office of Equity and Inclusion in the Division of Innovation and Performance has launched Strive305, a new program to provide more resources for small business owners by creating an environment where they can access technical assistance, collaborate, and learn.
Training and coaching.
Image representing small business training

Detailed Action Summary

Grow and promote small business training and coaching programs throughout the County that support start-up and scale-up businesses with the resources and networks they need to succeed.

  • Partner with business support organizations to amplify their offerings to reach more entrepreneurs and to develop and deliver new programs, including industry-specific training and resources.
  • Work with partners to develop a spectrum of training offerings: webinars, in-person workshops, cohort training programs, and one-on-one assistance that helps business owners create an action plan with goals and concrete strategies for clearing hurdles.
  • Identify and support experienced and well-connected local entrepreneurs to provide on-demand coaching services and expand inclusion, particularly focusing on Spanish- and Creole- speaking individuals.
  • Commit to providing deep and long-term coaching opportunities that include developing milestones until the business reaches sustainability.
  • Boost venture capital investment in local startups and scale-up through public-private partnership models. Identify opportunities to align investments to advance County goals for resilience and promote Miami-Dade as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive global technology hub.
  • Create networking and mentorship opportunities that pair start-ups with scale-ups, and scale-ups with C-suite leaders.