Small Business Education Program

Miami Dade College has been offering free seminars and workshops for small businesses since 2007.  The first series was held at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, and was known as the Minority Capacity Development Program.  Originally, the program was offered to small businesses located in Liberty City, Little Haiti, Overtown, Allapattah and Wynwood. 

Due to the continued community demand and success of past programs and thanks to the continued support of Citi Foundation, the Small Business Education Program expanded to include a Spanish tract in 2010 and 2011, adding Little Havana, Flagami and Hialeah.

The 2012 version of the program will consist of six seminars,--three in English and three in Spanish. The new target areas will be Overtown, Allapattah, Downtown Miami, and specific areas of Miami Beach.
 
The goal of the Small Business Education Program is to provide small business owners with basic knowledge and tools to manage a business and establish a networking channel with other businesses, governmental agencies, and private/non-profit entities.   We believe that helping these small businesses become profitable will in turn, have a positive outcome on the local economy.  We accomplish this goal by connecting with specialists from the private, government, and non-profit sectors who share their talent and experience with the participants.

Due to last year’s successful sessions for entrepreneurs/start-ups, the Small Business Education Program will offer two workshops for potential business owners, both in English and Spanish.  Participants will have an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts about the ins-and-outs of opening a new business, preparing a business plan framework, as well as a one-on-one session with government and non-profit agencies that offer assistance to businesses. 
Our most recent innovation to the program is a Business Forum for all participants and the public at large. The Forum will expand what was covered during the seminars and workshops,  to include an opportunity to network and exchange ideas with other entrepreneurs, get one-on-one assistance, and listen to an important key note speaker.  The Forum will take place April 21, 2012.
This Program is being made possible through the financial generosity of our dedicated sponsor Citi Foundation and the resources of Miami Dade College.

We would like to challenge you to become part of the experience in 2012.

Dr. Ana M. Cruz, Department Chairperson
School of Business, Wolfson Campus