Miami Lakes committee outlines business outreach, networking events and pilot for small-business coaching

The Miami Lakes Economic Development Committee met and reviewed its business outreach plans, the schedule for upcoming networking socials and the timeline for the 2026 business boot camp, while members also proposed a small-business coaching pilot to help local merchants with marketing and digital tools.

Committee leadership explained the BTR (business tax registration) list—an inventory of licensed businesses in Miami Lakes—and said members were assigned subsets of the list to call new or renewing businesses and offer town-supported ribbon-cutting opportunities. Members described the outreach as a “welcome” effort to let businesses know the committee and town resources are available.

On networking socials, members said the committee has about $500 available to contribute toward each event and that roughly four networking socials remain in the current budget cycle through September. Several venue suggestions were raised, including Dominicos, Gauchos and Pepper Chef, and members discussed partnering with the Chamber of Commerce or BNI to stretch the committee’s contribution. Committee staff reiterated the town’s payment procedure: vendors must provide a W-9 and an invoice before municipal funds can be disbursed.

A member described a prior event—Trellis Cottage’s May networking social—where the vendor has paid expenses but a formal invoice was not yet submitted; members said the committee will not authorize payment until the required W-9 and invoice are on file and the item can be voted with a quorum at a subsequent meeting.

Members reviewed scheduling options so decisions that require formal approval can be taken before key advertising or event deadlines. The committee noted that advertising materials for the July 17 business boot camp would need to be finalized by July 3 to meet publication timelines.

Separately, a committee member proposed allocating a portion of future committee funds to hire a marketing coach or consultant to offer small-group or one-on-one training for local businesses (including basic digital marketing, use of AI tools and a modest paid-campaign trial). Members encouraged that idea to be developed into a concrete proposal to present to council during the next budget cycle so it can be considered for formal funding.

Because the meeting lacked a quorum, these items were discussed and recommendations were made for staff follow-up; formal approvals and any disbursements must wait for a future meeting with a quorum.