MIAMI, FLORIDA — October 30, 2026. — Continuing its mission to strengthen minority-owned businesses, promote economic prosperity, and create meaningful opportunities across the United States and beyond, the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce (USMCC) is pleased to announce an important financial opportunity for established and growing small and medium-sized businesses operating in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

The Chamber is encouraging its members, particularly businesses experiencing financial challenges or seeking opportunities for expansion, to explore the Miami-Dade County Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) Community Development Block Grant – Special Economic Development (CDBG-SPED) Program.

This initiative provides forgivable business loans to eligible for-profit enterprises committed to creating permanent, full-time employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Miami-Dade County.

Unlike conventional commercial financing, this program offers the possibility of loan forgiveness when participating businesses successfully meet the program's employment creation requirements and other applicable conditions.

A CALL TO ACTION FROM THE CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT

"Once again, we are calling upon our business community to be diligent, precise, disciplined, and determined whenever financial opportunities, government contracts, or economic assistance programs become available. Opportunities do not always wait for us. We must be prepared to act, present the proper documentation, and demonstrate our commitment to creating jobs and strengthening our communities."

— Mr. Doug Mayorga, President & CEO, U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Mayorga emphasized that the Chamber's mission extends far beyond announcing opportunities.

"Our organization is committed to helping businesses navigate the process, understand the requirements, and position themselves to compete for available resources. We believe that access to capital must translate into stronger businesses, more employment, and greater economic stability for our communities."

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

1. Program: CDBG – Special Economic Development (CDBG-SPED)
2. Eligible applicants: Established or expanding for-profit businesses
3. Financial assistance: Forgivable business loans, subject to program conditions
4. Primary objective: Create permanent, full-time jobs benefiting low- and moderate-income Miami-Dade County residents
5. Published application deadline: November 28, 2026
6. Award ceiling: Not specified in the program announcement

Funding is limited, and the program may close once all available resources have been committed. Businesses are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and submit their applications promptly.

Miami-Dade County CDBG-SPED Program Information

CHAMBER MEMBERS RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY ASSISTANCE

As part of its commitment to promoting economic development, the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce is offering complimentary guidance and application assistance to its members interested in exploring this financial opportunity.

Business owners who are not yet members are encouraged to join the Chamber and benefit from its network of business development services, government contracting opportunities, financial resources, and strategic relationships throughout the United States.

"Our message is simple: Do not allow a lack of information or preparation to prevent your business from accessing opportunities. We want our members to grow, create employment, and become engines of prosperity in Miami-Dade County. When our businesses succeed, our entire community moves forward."

—Mr. Mayorga

ABOUT THE U.S. MINORITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

With 27 years of institutional leadership, the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as a bridge connecting minority-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Through its national and international initiatives, the Chamber promotes access to capital, government procurement, international trade, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth.

Its commitment remains centered on transforming opportunities into measurable economic progress for the communities it serves.