A new small-business incubator planned for Liberty City is expected to receive $850,000 in federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson to support local entrepreneurs and business development.
The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) announced the federal Community Project Funding award on Oct. 29. The funding will support the Liberty Square Launchpad, a Chamber-led initiative designed to help small-business owners strengthen their operations, access resources and expand their opportunities for growth.
The award comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s fiscal year 2026 Economic Development Initiative/Community Project Funding program. The City of Miami is the federal grant recipient, while the Chamber is working with the city’s Department of Housing & Community Development to develop the program’s implementation framework.
Under the Chamber’s proposed five-year plan, the Launchpad will serve eligible low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and individuals working to establish businesses, with outreach focused on Liberty Square, Liberty City and Miami-Dade Commission District 5.
The initiative will primarily support microenterprises, defined as businesses with five or fewer employees, including the owner.
Proposed services include one-on-one business advising, mentorship, workshops, shared workspace and technology access, as well as assistance with business registration, financial management, marketing and preparation for financing and contracting opportunities.
Eligible participants would receive grant-funded technical assistance at no cost. The program is also intended to help entrepreneurs formalize their businesses, improve financial records, develop business plans and prepare to compete for funding and contracts.
Gordon Eric Knowles, president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, said the investment creates an opportunity to bring government, business, education and community partners together to support economic development.
The initiative builds on the Chamber’s existing small-business technical assistance programs and its efforts to connect business growth with local employment, economic mobility and community wealth.
“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,” said Matthew A. Pigatt, the Chamber’s senior director of small business and member services, in a press statement.
The $850,000 award is intended to expand the Chamber’s work with entrepreneurs in Liberty City and surrounding communities, providing resources to help small businesses become more established and competitive.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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