The City of North Miami once again turned the spotlight on small-business growth with the fourth annual Teach to Fish Business Summit, a three-day event held October 12–14, 2025 at the Kovens Conference Center on the Florida International University Biscayne Bay campus. The summit was spearheaded by Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, MPA, in partnership with the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Framed around the idea that “teaching to fish” builds lasting success rather than providing temporary support, the summit focused on empowering entrepreneurs with access, strategy, and connections. Vice Mayor Timothe shared that the event was inspired by a resident she met while campaigning who wanted to open a business but didn’t know where to start. She explained, “What inspired me was actually a resident when I was campaigning who said she wanted to open up a business, but she didn’t know how. I told her that if I was elected, I would create this conference.” She added that when the Miami Foundation approached the city with a $100 million grant targeting North Miami, she knew the initiative needed to be expanded and built into a larger program.
Throughout the summit, attendees engaged in hands-on workshops and interactive panels covering topics such as access to capital, contract readiness, marketing strategies, artificial intelligence, procurement, and business growth frameworks. The agenda also featured networking mixers, vendor matching, and a Business Expo floor that connected entrepreneurs with resource partners, mentors, and peers.
A major highlight of the weekend was the summit’s first-ever live pitch competition, where local entrepreneurs presented their ideas and received grant funding to accelerate their ventures. One of the pitch winners, Anthony Louis, owner of LeCap Restaurant, spoke to how impactful the support will be, saying, “The $5,000 is going to go a long way, not only just for feeding more people, but expanding our restaurant. And we’re so thankful for North Miami for putting it together.”
Adding to the summit’s prestige was the attendance of top industry executives, including Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun. He shared his perspectives on leadership, resilience, and business strategy during the closing Mastery Luncheon, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear from a national brand leader directly within a local business context.
For entrepreneurs across North Miami, the summit was more than an event — it was a platform for transformation. From strategic breakout sessions to meaningful personal introductions, the three-day experience delivered knowledge, confidence, and connections that many attendees said they would carry into their next business decisions.
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