Local businesses play a central role in the health of Miami Beach and are among the best engines that Miami Beach has for advancing economic opportunity and growth. Small business ownership has been a pathway to the middle class for generations and continues to be a crucial tool for building wealth and economic stability. The presence of local, small businesses is linked to higher rates of job creation, less income inequality, and stronger social networks.
Despite the availability of testing and vaccines, the pandemic continues to have an adverse impact on potential new businesses and many within our existing business community including, but not limited to, the overall closure of businesses, supply chain uncertainty, increased labor and materials costs, and the challenge of hiring and retaining quality employees. These challenges can be mitigated by recognizing these barriers and taking action to ensure that new and existing businesses have the proper information and tools to thrive.
Miami Beach represents a city with great potential for new economic growth post pandemic. The City’s economy is weighed heavily on the tourism industry which, in the past, has been challenged by Zika, hurricanes, and more. To remain attractive to the business community, the City is pursuing opportunities to revise existing assets and create new methods which will assist in diversifying the local economy, specifically technology and financial services sectors, and retaining new business development.
The Administration intends to build on previous Guides (see attached Exhibit B – D) to offer user friendly and easy access to information including an overview of Miami Beach, a list of essential telephone numbers, email addresses and websites, and topics, programs, and services such as how to structure a business, select a location, register a business, apply for permits and licenses, etc., and other information we are confident will make starting and doing business in Miami Beach efficient.
The revamped guide will be relaunched as a business brochure in a digital (downloadable and printable) format and will be disseminated via Constant Contact email newsletter and be linked on the MBBiz.com webpage and other digital assets to access Miami Beach Departments, and local, regional and federal grants and initiatives. The strategy is to build on existing foundations and make the experience a no-touch, user friendly, and non-stop resource.
As the Economic Development Department is currently in the process of developing and promoting a new business attraction marketing and public relations campaign, the Administration determined the redesign and relaunch of the business guide should be incorporated with the forthcoming Economic Development collateral as part of the campaign. The relaunch of the guide will consist of promotions on the City website, social media channels and in the refreshed monthly Miami Beach Business Newsletter. In addition to promoting the new guide, the Administration will continue to promote key business development programs including the Job Creation Incentive Program and the Expedited Plan Review and Permitting Incentive Program. The guide will also include information about customized concierge services by Redevelopment Specialists, to assist any new business or business relocating to Miami Beach.