About 50 entrepreneurs attended a Small Business Boot Camp held at Miami Lakes Town Hall on Sept. 22.
Most of the business owners said they employ fewer than five people and took time out from running their firms to learn from bankers, officials from Miami-Dade County, Florida International University and other experts about how to grow and get financing.
“The EDC was working on it through the year, especially Steve Brimo at BankUnited,” said Matthew Casamayor, chair of the Economic Development Committee.
“The big tip I took away was how to get grants and work with the county, and become recognized vendors,” he said.
Another good outcome was introducing business owners to resources that have been available to them the whole time, and are free, he said.
“It was successful,” Casamayor said. “I hope we can do it again next year.”
The event was followed by networking, at nearby restaurant Chela’s Cocteleria.
Sponsors included AC Graphics Digital; Miami-Dade County; the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce; BNI; BankUnited; FIU Business; SBA; Prospera; U.S. Century Bank and the Economic Development Committee.