Commissioner Eileen Higgins awards over $250,000 to District 5

Mom and Pop businesses recovering from pandemic

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, awarded over $250,000 to small business continuing to recover from the pandemic through the 2021 District 5 Mom and Pop Grant Program. This year, nearly 200 businesses benefited from the program receiving grants up to $2,500. Businesses include restaurants, professional services, convenience stores, beauty salons, and boutiques. Commissioner Higgins presented Mom and Pop checks to grant recipients to Creaciones Yoshi Inc, located at 255 E Flagler St #34, Miami, FL 33131.

The District 5 Mom and Pop Program is tailored each year to address hardships faced by the small business community. In 2019, Commissioner Higgins activated these funds to help businesses impacted by the West Flagler construction project. Last year, funds were awarded to provide assistance to restaurants and retail storefronts through the Retail Relief Small Business Grant Program. In 2021, the program continues to fund small businesses across District 5 that have been severely impacted by the COVID pandemic.

Eligibility for the program was also expanded to include home-based businesses and independent contractors. For the second year in a row, District 5 offered the application in English and Spanish, improving the participation of the program and the accessibility for many Hispanic-owned businesses. The Mom and Pop Program has helped close the gap between small businesses and local government by offering not only grants, but also support and guidance through the District 5 business network.

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