Championing economic opportunities through innovation, inclusion, and investment
Commissioner Eileen Higgins reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to empowering small businesses across Miami-Dade County’s District 5 during the 2025 National Small Business Week celebration. With passion and purpose, Higgins led a robust lineup of events and resources that showcased her dedication to entrepreneurial spirit and the results of sustained investment in economic development.
Her words — “Your passion, perseverance, and hard work prove every day that anything is possible”—resonated as she welcomed local business owners to a week of empowerment, learning, and celebration. These sentiments echoed throughout a series of high-impact events that embodied the values of community resilience and future-focused innovation.
Elevate District 5: a transformative initiative reaching over 750 entrepreneurs
Since its inception in 2022, the Elevate District 5 initiative has transformed the small business landscape in Miami-Dade County’s District 5. Under Commissioner Higgins’ leadership, the program has connected with more than 750 local businesses, hosting 41 bilingual workshops on vital topics like digital marketing, AI integration, and access to capital.
Through a strategic deployment of over $2.4 million in federal funds, Elevate District 5 has enabled entrepreneurs free access to valuable tools, guidance, and financial support. More than 607 grants have been awarded to help small business owners build resilience, navigate regulatory hurdles, and expand sustainably.
Commissioner Eileen Higgins’ Small Business Week 2025 offered a full calendar of engaging, community-centric programming:
- May 5: Mom and Pop Grant Application Workshop (bilingual, virtual) — Hands-on guidance for accessing grant funding
- May 6: FOG Roundtable & Permit Clinic — Compliance support for food-service businesses
- May 7: Access to Capital Breakfast — Insights into financing options and lender connections
- May 8: AI-Powered Growth Strategies Webinar — Tips from experts on how AI can automate and amplify small business operations
- May 9: Shop, Dine & Support D5 Small Businesses — A call to action for residents to spend locally
Each session reinforced Commissioner Higgins’ belief that removing barriers and providing relevant education are the keys to unlocking entrepreneurial success in diverse communities.
Beyond the week: a broader commitment to equity and innovation
Commissioner Higgins’ impact reaches beyond the boundaries of Small Business Week. She has advocated for policies and programs that address broader challenges faced by entrepreneurs and residents alike. From affordable housing advocacy to LGBTQ+ protections and public transit improvements, her administration has championed a more inclusive and accessible Miami-Dade.
Commissioner Higgins has also strengthened collaboration between county departments and the private sector, increasing efficiency and maximizing community impact. Her approach is holistic, rooted in listening to business owners and using their feedback to inform policy and programming.
The numbers speak volumes: over 2,000 workshop participants, hundreds of businesses revitalized with grants, and a newly energized entrepreneurial ecosystem that reflects the vibrancy of District 5’s diverse communities.
Inspiring a culture of entrepreneurship and hope
Commissioner Higgins has become a symbol of what’s possible when public leadership aligns with community needs. Her drive to ensure that everyone—regardless of background or resources—has a chance to succeed in business has inspired trust and action throughout Miami-Dade.
The 2025 Small Business Week celebration showcased of what long-term, community-rooted leadership looks like. Higgins’ track record continues to spark meaningful change and economic growth in Miami, positioning District 5 as a model for inclusive business development nationwide.
As local entrepreneurs innovate, expand, and invest back into their neighborhoods, it’s clear that the momentum started by Elevate District 5 is only accelerating. Commissioner Higgins’ mission is far from over—and small business owners know they have a champion in their corner.
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