Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Secures $850,000 to Support Liberty City Small Businesses
Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson secured $850,000 in federal funding to support the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce’s Liberty Square Launchpad, a small business incubator designed to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic opportunity in Miami’s Liberty City community.
The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) announced the investment on October 29, 2026, highlighting a major step toward providing local entrepreneurs with the resources, guidance, and support needed to establish and grow sustainable businesses.
The funding was secured through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s fiscal year 2026 Economic Development Initiative/Community Project Funding program. The City of Miami serves as the federal grant recipient, with the Chamber working alongside the City’s Department of Housing & Community Development to develop the program’s implementation framework.
Investing in Liberty City’s Entrepreneurs
Under the Chamber’s proposed five-year plan, the Liberty Square Launchpad would provide business development resources to eligible low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs, with a focus on Liberty Square, Liberty City, and District 5.
The initiative is specifically designed to support microenterprises, defined as businesses with five or fewer employees, including the owner.
Through the program, eligible participants would have access to a range of services, including:
- One-on-one business advising and mentorship
- Business planning and financial management assistance
- Marketing and business registration support
- Workshops and professional development opportunities
- Shared workspace and technology resources
- Guidance on securing financing and contracting opportunities
Grant-funded technical assistance would be offered at no cost to eligible participants.
The goal is to help entrepreneurs move beyond simply starting a business by equipping them with the tools needed to compete, expand, and contribute to long-term economic growth.
Building Community Wealth Through Entrepreneurship
Gordon Eric Knowles, President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful economic opportunities.
“Congresswoman Wilson has given us an extraordinary opportunity to bring government, business, education, and community partners together around one mission: creating economic opportunity. Our vision is for the Liberty Square Launchpad to become a model for how strategic investment in entrepreneurs can strengthen businesses, create jobs, and build lasting community wealth,” said Knowles.
Matthew A. Pigatt, the Chamber’s Senior Director of Small Business & Member Services, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the broader community impact of investing in small businesses.
“When we help an entrepreneur strengthen their business, we’re investing in more than one company. We’re investing in families, future employees, and the economic strength of an entire community,” said Pigatt.
“This Congressional investment gives us an opportunity to deepen the Chamber’s work and help more Liberty City entrepreneurs build businesses that can grow, compete, and create lasting wealth.”
Chamber Highlights Investment During October 29 Announcement
The funding announcement coincided with the Chamber’s October 29 Professional Networking Social, organized in collaboration with MIA Media Group at Kitchen + Kocktails in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
Congresswoman Wilson was scheduled to participate in the gathering, which brought attention to the Chamber’s continued efforts to connect business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders.
The Liberty Square Launchpad builds upon the Chamber’s existing small business assistance initiatives and reinforces its commitment to expanding economic mobility and strengthening local businesses.
By focusing on entrepreneurship, business sustainability, and access to opportunity, the program aims to help create a stronger economic foundation for Liberty City residents and future generations.
For more information about the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and its small business initiatives, visit www.m-dcc.org.
