June 21-23 2023

Miami Beach Convention Center, USA

Doing business in Miami

 

City of Miami

 

Wednesday 27th July | 16:00

Transformation Zone | Stand U68

 

Summary 

 

Doing business in Miami 


Doing business for the Federal government. What you need to know 
Gustavo A. Vergara, Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration, Miami, Florida

Understand what the government and SBA have to offer in business opportunities, including government contracting and small business assistance.  A quick review of how to access and understand the rules regulations and how to best network. 8A and HUB Zone will be briefly discussed. An overview of some programs and services offered that cover the disabled, veterans, women-owned and minority programs.

Make A Bold Move – Business Opportunities, Incentives & Solutions
Rickelle Williams, Director, Economic Development Department, City of Miami Beach, Miami, Florida
James Kohnstamm, Executive Vice President, Miami Dade Beacon Council, Miami, Florida

Top government economic development experts share insights on the success of companies in South Florida; identify bold and creative programs, policies, incentives, grants and more that are attracting, retaining and expanding businesses and accelerating jobs, funding, and focus. 

  • Discover why South Florida is an emerging medical and technology hub and changing the way business gets done
  • How to start a business in 10 steps with the U.S. Small Business Administration programs designed to reduce barriers to capital, procurement, marketing and more
  • Explore City of Miami Beach business incentive and grant programs, resources and amenities that are attracting new business development
  • Discover how Miami Dade Beacon Council is fuelling job growth and investment in South Florida by monitoring business and industry trends and analysing factor influencing our economy and quality of life
  • Why South Florida is supporting entrepreneurs and business owners with growth strategies and tools that are revealing new opportunities, facilitating connections, stimulating innovation and access to capital and resources

 

Back to top

Company bio


City of Miami 
 

The City of Miami Beach's Economic Development Department provides free assistance to companies and entrepreneurs interested in opening or expanding their footprint in Miami Beach. Our Business Concierge program offers first-class customer service and functions as a one-stop shop for any business-related services.

Back to top

Presenters


Gustavo Vergara
Business Opportunity Specialist 
U.S. Small Business Administration, Miami, Florida

Gustavo Vergara “Gus” has over 20 years of combined Federal and Military experience. Before coming to the SBA, Gus worked as a Contract Specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard in Miami Florida and obtained his level one certification. He also served for 12 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Storekeeper severing both IN and OCONUS duties. Gustavo Vergara is a native of the Bronx, New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University in Psychology and a Master from Nova Southeastern University in Mental Health Counseling as a licensed therapist in the state of Florida.

Rickelle Williams
Director
Economic Development Department, City of Miami Beach, Miami, Florida 

Rickelle Williams is an economic development professional and strategic thinker with expertise in business attraction and expansion, community redevelopment, planning, real estate development and financing, affordable and workforce housing and removing barriers to investment and growth. Ms. Williams joined the City of Miami Beach in September 2020 and leads and facilitates the strategic planning and development of initiatives, policies, and programs that attract and retain businesses and entrepreneurs in the greatest coastal city in the United States. She is responsible for transforming and strengthening Miami Beach’s commercial character, promoting community development, growing the pool of quality talent, and serving as a critical resource to local and regional businesses.

James Kohnstamm
Executive Vice President
Miami Dade Beacon Council, Miami, Florida 

 

 

 

Back to top