Chamber Secures $850,000 for Liberty City Incubator

Miami-Dade County residents who own small businesses in Liberty City will gain access to cost-free technical assistance starting with the launch of the Liberty Square Launchpad. The new incubator is funded by an $850,000 federal grant awarded to the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Community Project Funding program.

U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, a Democrat from Miami Gardens, secured the grant for the chamber. Under a proposed five-year plan, the Launchpad will serve microenterprise owners with five or fewer employees, including the owner. It will also support individuals actively developing new ventures. Outreach will focus on entrepreneurs in Liberty Square, Liberty City, and District 5. Participants will receive help formalizing operations, improving financial records, and drafting business plans.

Gordon Eric Knowles, President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, stated that the grant creates an opportunity to unite government, business, education, and community partners. “Our vision is for the Liberty Square Launchpad to become a model for how strategic investment in entrepreneurs can strengthen businesses, create jobs, and build lasting community wealth,” Knowles said in a statement.

Matthew A. Pigatt, Senior Director of Small Business and Member Services, emphasized the community impact of the program. “When we help an entrepreneur strengthen their business, we’re investing in more than one company. We’re investing in families, future employees, and the economic strength of an entire community,” Pigatt said.

Liberty City has a population of approximately 50,000 residents. About 80% of the population is Black. Although it is not a municipality, Liberty City would rank as the seventh-largest city in Miami-Dade County if it were incorporated. A 2017 economic study by the University of Miami and Florida International University identified the area as one of the county's poorest regions. The study found that 87% of businesses in Liberty City employ fewer than 20 people. Collectively, these businesses generated $12 billion in annual sales.

The chamber will use the grant funds to provide the technical assistance without charging fees to eligible participants. The initiative aims to equip small businesses with the tools needed to compete in the market. The program represents a targeted investment in the local microenterprise sector.