OPPORTUNITY CONNECT
Connecting Entrepreneurs to
Community Coaches & Advisors Capital Opportunities
We empower entrepreneurs on their pathway to prosperity.
A Business Network
For Neighborhood Entrepreneurs
Your big opportunity might be right where you are now.
Opportunity Connect is a support network of entrepreneurs,
business coaches and advisors who are committed
to making their neighborhoods and cities better through entrepreneurship.
We are committed to uplifting our communities through entrepreneur training, technology and trusted connections to capital and other opportunities.
Community
We have a network of entrepreneurs and business professionals all dedicated to building thriving communities — by the community.
Network of Support
Mastermind Sessions & Workshops
Business Fairs & Events
Capital
Our financial readiness workshops are led by industry experts and focus on practical, hands-on learning, so you can apply what you learn to your business right away. Explore our course catalog of videos and worksheets to learn at your own pace.
Business Plans
Financial Models & Projections
Marketing Strategies
Coaching
You’ll receive 1:1 coaching as you build out your business plan and have access to mental health and professional services support.
1:1 Business Coaching
Accounting & Legal Assistance
Mental Health & Wellness Support
How We Work
Our entrepreneurs see opportunities where others don’t.
Opportunity Connect is a network of entrepreneurs living & building in opportunity zones — neighborhoods that are economically distressed & in need of revitalization led by the community.
Plug Into
The Network
Through our network, you get connected to mentors and coaches, tutorials and templates, access to capital, and private 1:1 business consulting services that will help you level up and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace.
OC Member Benefits
• Access to all community events, Mastermind sessions and Business Workshops available to members of all levels, offered weekly and monthly
• Business plan development & financial planning through the OC Network Online Business Training Platform and in-person sessions
• 1:1 coaching sessions to craft your business plan & strategy
• Up to 10 hours of pro bono technical assistance for legal, accounting and digital transformation services for your business
• Featured in our OC Network promotions with video spotlights and editorials in our communications
• Access to micro loans up to $5,000 with 3-5 day approval for members*
• Opportunities to showcase your business at local events, pop ups & retail spaces*
*Only members with a business plan and financial projections are eligible for these services.
If you live, work or building a business in an opportunity zone or have a service that you’d like to provide our network of businesses, please connect with us.
Partner Spotlight:
The Miami Foundation
Open For Business Microgrants & Loans
The Miami Foundation has launched the Miami Open for Business initiative to support small, historically disadvantaged, minority business owners to own more of their businesses’ assets, such as property, equipment, and technology. With support from Wells Fargo, funding will help build generational wealth and resilience for small, minority-led nonprofits and businesses located in Miami-Dade County.
Microgrant & ABLE Loan Applications open March 1st!
CREO Loan is open now and closes April 15th!
Fueled by a $20 million grant from Wells Fargo, the Miami Open for Business program aims to empower historically underserved nonprofits and small businesses to build generational wealth and resilience through the purchase and ownership of critical business assets, such as property, equipment, and technology.
Small nonprofit organizations or small businesses located in and serving Miami-Dade County can apply for Open For Business grant and loans. To be eligible, your business must:
• Be owned or led by an individual(s) from a historically underserved background (i.e., Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, veteran, person with disabilities)
• Been in existence for at least 2 years
• Annual gross revenue or operating budget of $1 million or less
Budget maximum does not apply for the CREO funding, but all occupants must be small businesses.
Microgrant for Technology or Equipment: Grants up to $20K for nonprofits and small businesses to purchase hardware, software, machinery, and equipment. Find out more about the micro grant here.
Asset Building Loan for Entrepreneurs (ABLE) Fund:Low-interest financing (3% for businesses, 0% for non-profits) up to $100K to buy vehicles, inventory, renovations, refinance debt taken on for asset building, succession financing, or co-op conversion. Find out more about the ABLE loan here.
Collective Real Estate Ownership (CREO) Funding:Down payment and closing cost assistance upto $500K for shared commercial real estate in historically underinvested neighborhoods to root community businesses and nonprofits. Find out more about CREO funding here.
We can offer support in two ways. Workshop Wednesdays with a high level overview of OFB and best practices and 1:1 support for any application specific questions. We simply ask you to fill out this form and we will be in touch.
