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The Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is the economic agency for the City of Miami’s urban core and maintains several concentrations, including Advocacy, Quality of Life, Urban Planning/Resiliency, Marketing, and Business Development. Together we work to fulfill our mission statement “to grow, strengthen and promote the economic health and vitality of Downtown Miami”.
Business Development focuses explicitly on the retention and recruitment of both businesses and talent, with a high emphasis on the Technology and Finance industries. Our team also works closely with ownership groups and their representatives to recruit new-to-market companies to Downtown Miami. The services provided assist them both before and after their arrival. These efforts include incentives packages, research assistance, joint presentations, permitting assistance, introductions to key stakeholders, exposure, and more.
Thank you for taking an interest in the City of Miami, and specifically within our urban core. Whether you are a company or an individual considering the move, or if you already have, we welcome you to a brighter future.
Miami DDA Incentive Fund
The Miami DDA Program is available to New-to-Market Businesses or Expanding Businesses that will relocate and hire a minimum of ten (10) new employees to the Miami DDA District within a three (3) year period. Additionally, the applicant must meet several other program requirements as stipulated in the guidelines.
Download Incentive Fund Guidelines
Download Incentive Program Application
Property Improvement Grant Program
The Property Improvement Grant Program provides grant funding for qualified exterior improvements. The program’s goal is to improve the central business district’s physical environment (“curb appeal”) and enhance the area’s overall perception – while supporting increased economic activity and investment. The program is designed to attract and retain retail businesses and restaurants while growing the customer base for area businesses.
The incentive program is funded by the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and administered by the Downtown Miami Partnership (DMP). All applications are reviewed by an independent committee that awards funds at its discretion – and in accordance with the program guidelines.
Download Incentive Program Guidelines
Download Incentive Program Application
Business Development Resources
Guide to Opening a Business in The City of Miami
The main two items you need from The City in order to open a business in Miami are (in order): Certificate of Use and a Business Tax Receipt. To learn more click here.
Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources
The Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources provides information for businesses, licensing, available business incentives and permitting – along with planning and zoning. For more detailed information on these services, starting a business, small business development and much more, click here.
The Beacon Council
Serving as Miami-Dade County’s official economic development partnership, The Beacon Council is charged with bringing new job-generating investments to the community – while assisting existing businesses in expansion efforts. To learn more about The Beacon Council, click here.
Enterprise Florida
As the State of Florida’s Economic Development Agency, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) serves as a public-private partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders. Enterprise Florida’s mission is to expand and diversify the state’s economy through job creation. For more information about Enterprise Florida, click here.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can provide valuable training, access to finance, and assistance with government contracting. Their overarching mission is to assist businesses in starting, building, and growing. In Miami, SBA delivers regular training events, technical assistance, loan review and counseling an emerging leaders program, and other incentives from its office at 100 S. Biscayne Blvd. To learn more about SBA, click here.
