Small business owners in Miami's District 10 are getting a financial leg up this summer with the return of the annual Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program. Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, alongside the Neighbors And Neighbors Association (NANA), announced that applicants may receive grants of up to $5,000. The funds are intended to support local enterprises in sprucing up their operations or covering basic business expenses such as equipment, inventory, or marketing. Criteria for eligibility requires that businesses be established for over a year, maintain a for-profit model, and have a physical address within the district—a P.O. Box does not qualify.

Interested proprietors can pick up applications starting July 8 at the District 10 Office or download them online, as detailed in an announcement on Miami-Dade's official website. The two-week period for submissions will run through July 19. In addition to these specifics, an informational workshop is set for July 17 at the Westchester Regional Library, where potential applicants can learn more about the program and ask any questions they may have.

What sets this program apart is it's inclusivity; even home-based businesses, which are often left out of such funding initiatives, have the green light to apply. The grant aims to nourish the ecosystem of local businesses which, in turn, form the backbone of District 10's economy. It's a physical manifestation of support from leaders who recognize the indispensable value these small enterprises contribute to the community’s fabric.

After completing the application process, business owners must deliver their application in person and in a sealed envelope from July 22 through July 26 at the District 10 Office. The window for submissions each day is between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., no late applications will be accepted. For additional queries or guidance, Victoria Goss of NANA is available at 305-756-0605 to assist prospective applicants.