Strive305: How Miami-Dade is Powering the Next Generation of Small Business

If you're a small business owner in Miami—or thinking about becoming one—there’s a local initiative you should know about: Strive305.

Led by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, this county-wide program is designed to empower local entrepreneurs with free training, funding access, personalized coaching, and real-time community support. It’s one of the most thoughtfully structured small business initiatives I’ve come across—and it’s happening right here in our city.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a breakfast event hosted by Mana Tech, an innovation hub that supports startups, founders, and tech-forward organizations in Miami. There, I connected with Anthony Bonamy, a dedicated community leader who plays a vital role in Strive305’s development and implementation.

👤 Who Is Anthony Bonamy?

Anthony is a Senior Program Manager at the Office of Innovation and Economic Development at Miami-Dade County. He’s one of the driving forces behind Strive305’s execution, helping to shape its strategic direction and build partnerships with organizations like Mana Tech, Wells Fargo, and other public/private entities.

Through his work, Anthony is helping to ensure that Strive305 isn’t just another government initiative—it’s a living, accessible network that genuinely supports the day-to-day needs of Miami’s entrepreneurs.

🧰 What Does Strive305 Offer?

Whether you’re just launching or actively scaling, Strive305 provides:

• 🎓 Free Online Courses – Hosted on Teachable, covering topics like business planning, AI in marketing, and financial management.
• 🏫 Micro Business Academy – Tailored coaching and resources for businesses with under five employees.
• 🛍️ Market Matchmaker – Helps entrepreneurs test their products with real customers and access shelf space or retail pop-ups.
• 📚 Strive305 HUB – The central portal (Strive305HUB.com) where businesses can access templates, events, tools, and grant opportunities.
• 🤝 Weekly Networking & Events – Like The Morning Huddle, expos, and local meetups to foster collaboration and visibility.

“We created Strive305 to give every entrepreneur in Miami-Dade a fighting chance,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Whether you’re just starting out or rebuilding, we’re here to help.”

💰 Major Investment, Tangible Results

Strive305 is not just symbolic—it’s backed by real dollars and impact:

• $20 million from Wells Fargo through the Miami Open for Business fund
• $25 million in direct grants already distributed to over 120 local small businesses

This funding has helped local businesses reopen, expand, hire, and innovate—all while keeping Miami’s entrepreneurial spirit alive.

🌟 Local Success Stories

A few standout examples of Strive305’s impact:

• Perfect Salon Suites – Created a co-working space for beauty entrepreneurs with coaching support from Strive305.
• Chavela Dollar Store, Little Havana – Navigated permits and gained business visibility through the program’s local support channels.
• LCT-E Learning Solutions – Used the platform’s courses and mentorship to grow a scalable educational tech business across Miami-Dade.

✅ How to Get Started

Here’s how to plug into the program today:

1. 🌐 Visit Strive305HUB.com and explore free resources
2. 🎓 Enroll in a course at Teachable
3. 📅 Join The Morning Huddle or attend a local networking event

These steps are easy, free, and a great first move for any small business owner looking for guidance and growth.

👋 Let’s Connect

As a business consultant and board advisor to the Wynwood Chamber of Commerce, I’ve seen firsthand how much a program like Strive305 can offer. If you want to learn more about it—or want help figuring out how your business can benefit—feel free to reach out to me directly.

📩 Let’s connect. And if you know someone who could use this support, tag them or share this article. It could open the right door.

We rise by building a stronger local economy—one entrepreneur at a time.

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