Commissioner Raquel Regalado's District 7 office partners with the SBA's Eileen Fernandez, Outreach & Marketing Specialist with over six years at the agency, to break down the free programs, funding options, and federal certifications available to small business owners across Miami-Dade County. Whether you're just starting out, looking to scale, pursuing government contracts, or preparing your business for the next hurricane season — the SBA has tools to help you at every stage, and it won't cost you a dime. What we cover: 🏢 Resource Partners & Counseling Get one-on-one guidance from SBDCs (including FIU's nationally ranked center), SCORE mentors, Women's Business Centers, and Veteran Business Outreach Centers. They'll help you build your business plan, prep your financials, and get loan-ready — before you ever walk into a bank. 📋 Government Contracting The federal government spent $700 billion on goods and services in 2024 alone. Learn about the 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Veteran-Owned certifications — and how APEX Accelerators can help you compete for set-aside contracts at the federal, state, and local levels. 💰 Funding & Loan Programs The SBA doesn't lend directly — but it guarantees loans through participating banks, helping businesses access capital they might not qualify for otherwise. We walk through the 7(a) program for working capital, the 504 program for real estate and equipment, and microloans for businesses that need smaller amounts to get going. Plus: how to use the Lender Match tool to find the right bank for your needs. 🌀 Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Living in South Florida, it's not if a hurricane hits — it's when. The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program offers low-interest, long-term financing to help businesses survive and recover. Learn what triggers eligibility, what to do before disaster strikes, and how to make sure your business is one of the 75% that reopens. 📧 Questions? Reach out to Eileen directly: alyn.fernandez@sba.gov 🌐 Find local resources: sba.gov/local-assistance 📝 Explore loan options: sba.gov/loans 🏗️ Government contracting info: sba.gov/contracting 🆘 Disaster preparedness: sba.gov/prepare
