At FORUM, supporting a diverse and inclusive business community is part of our mission of creating a space where members feel seen and supported. Through physical workspace, in-person experiences and digital content, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone to learn, to share, to face challenges and reach goals. In fostering this space, we consistently spotlight businesses from our community and sharing ways to support the people and the businesses here in Coral Gables and the greater Miami area. This week we are turning our spotlight on Black and minority owned businesses in our space. As many businesses face so much in these challenging times, capital, alongside raising awareness, can help with business stability and lead to long-term change.
Below you’ll find a list of businesses to support, it is by no means exhaustive. From podcasts to listen to, to places to grab a meal to a local gym (and beyond) we’d like this list to serve as a sustainable resource to maintain support for these businesses year-round.
And if you know of a business, person or people, that you think should be on this list, send us a note at [email protected].
In the Area
Old Bull Athletics – Located on Alhambra Circle, Old Bull Athletics, led by Frankie Telfort, focuses on personal training and physical therapy. As a personal trainer himself, Frankie focuses on high intensity body workouts and strength training for all ages and levels that has garnered a stellar following from the area.
There are also a number of incredible professional services business that are small business focused that have offices in the area including J Biz Services, which offers Technology Consulting, TriMergeCPA, a CPA accounting audit and tax consulting compliance firm as well as marketing and communications companies Flourish Media and KechThis.
Podcasts
Listening to podcasts can be a great way to educate yourself on issues and activity in the minority business community. Miami has many local podcasts that cater to South Florida’s multicultural business community.
“Janie Flores Live” Podcast – Hosted on the Miami area Bloomberg Financial affiliate station, 880 the Biz, host Janie Flories highlights the achievements of local and minority entrepreneurs, sharing the business ventures of her diverse guests from South Florida and around the country.
Tech Beats & Bytes – Mixing in food and hip hop culture, Tech Beats & Bytes Podcast discusses industry trends and current events in technology. Based out of Miami, hosts Michael Hall and Latoya Stirrup also place focus on diverse entrepreneurs, community building, and local events.
BlackPages Miami – BlackPagesMiami features 11 South Florida-based businesses in its first season who each share their highs and lows and the barriers and challenges that Black businesses must overcome on a daily basis.
Books
Reading books written by Black and minority authors can support the cause for racial equality as well. Many Black authors have written business and coaching books perfect for any starting entrepreneur. Check out these picks by local leaders.
“Start Your Business on a Ramen Noodle Budget: 12 Lessons on Becoming a Young Entrepreneur When You are Broke!” by Felecia Hatcher, teaches readers how to start a business and set goals, with limited resources. She is founder of Black Tech Week, a minority-centric networking and showcase event for tech investors and entrepreneurs in South Florida.
“Go: How to Cross the Starting Line” by Haitian-American motivational speaker and professor Jefferson Noel, empowers readers to become motivated and take action towards their dreams.
Networking
If you’re looking to connect and get involved with the community in other ways, Miami is filled with networking opportunities through professional groups including the Black Professionals Network, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. All are active professional development groups in the South Florida community. BMECommunity is an award-winning network of innovators, leaders, and champions who invest in aspiring communities through fellowships.
For formal incubators and startup spaces, Venture Cafe and the Idea Center at Miami Dade College provide networking events and discussions and support centered on Black/minority startups.
More Resources
There are so many local people and organizations who have been doing incredible work to highlight the talents, accomplishments and business of the Black and minority community. Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust has created Black Pages Miami and The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board has created the Black World Guide. Additionally, S FL Black Business Directory, Support Black Owned and Minority Biz are great resources for Black business.
Black Men Talk Tech
Black Men Talk Tech is hosting their second annual Unicorn Ambition Conference on October 23rd The Unicorn Ambition Conference is a national tech conference which seeks to provide exposure and resources to Black tech founders while highlighting Miami and South Florida as an emerging tech hub. Their second annual conference will take place on October 23rd in Miami.
The inaugural conference will bring together some of the best practitioners and entrepreneurs in business. The 2-day experience provides thought-provoking panels, presentations, a pitch competition, and networking.”
Your Workspace in Downtown Coral Gables
An elevated workspace in Downtown Coral Gables, FORUM offers various coworking memberships created to suit the needs of entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups and enterprise businesses. From hot desks to private suites, business support and more, FORUM is here to support our community. Contact us to learn more [email protected] | 786-522-4466.
