Miami, Fla. – Miami-Dade County along with partners Bank of America and StartUp FIU Local have announced $800,000 in grants to 14 Miami-Dade small businesses as part of the first-ever BizUp competition.

The event had 30 local businesses make pitches to local judges for funding. Bank of America and Startup FIU will further add to the grants with a full year technical and businesses assistance and advice.

The 14 winners were selected from 30 local entrepreneurs, from over 200 applicants, who pitched their business plans to a panel of local judges for a chance to receive $50,000 and $100,000 grants to fund future growth.

Many of the businesses selected are diverse owned.

The two businesses chosen to receive the maximum $100,000 grants were Zaytouna Foods LLC and Alpha International Transport; while $50,000 grants were awarded to Haute Academy Fashion Incubator, Venus Builders Inc., The Magus Films, Miami Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE), Metro Mommy Agency, Lean Orb Co., The Caribe Vegan, L&G Events/ Lollipops & Gumdrops, One on

One Behavioral Services, Compost for Life, Pikitin Learning Projects, and BLAVK.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This innovative grant program helps our local enterprises with a financial boost, while also providing them with the technical assistance they need to grow and thrive.”

Top grant winner Zaytouna Foods is a conscious driven enterprise whose mission is to help women from Syria resettle in South Florida by creating permanent gainful employment for them by catering and producing packaged foods from the Middle East.

Alpha International Transport LLC is a third-party logistics company with a goal to provide efficient cargo transport solutions with reputable and reliable carriers.

“Through BizUp, we’re supporting dozens of local entrepreneurs and strengthening the small business ecosystem in Miami-Dade County,” said Commissioner Jean Monestime. “With this

program, we’re ensuring that our entrepreneurs can realize their aspirations while making a positive impact on our community.”

For more information on the grant, and other resources that foster entrepreneurship and growth among small businesses in Miami-Dade County, visit miamidade.gov/strive305.