Meet the Finalists of Miami-Dade County’s BizUp Pitch Competition (Round 2)

The BizUp Grant program is managed in partnership with StartUP FIU and Bank of America. The grant includes awards of either $50,000 or $100,000 and one full year of small business support and training for the finalists. To qualify, the competing businesses must have a positive impact on their community and align with the Mayor’s Four E’s: Equity, Engagement, Environment, and Economy.

After receiving hundreds of applications, the judges narrowed the finalists down to 16 businesses for the second round of funding. The selected businesses then pitched to a panel of experts. On October 20th, at StartUP FIU, the second round of winners were announced. Let’s learn a little bit more about them.

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Alpha International Transport

A Third Party Logistics company (3PL) offering a full line of transportation solutions, AI Transport is a family-owned and operated business based in Opa-Locka. Their goal is to provide efficient cargo transport solutions with reputable and reliable carriers.

• Founder: Felton Brown
• Email: info@aitransport.us
• Phone: (786) 571-6296‍
• Website: aitransport.us
• Location: 4100 NW 142nd St. Opa Locka, FL 33054

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Lollipops & Gumdrops Children's Spa Bus

The City of Miami’s first Black Owned Luxury Spa & Mobile Spa Bus located in Historic Overtown. Creating magical memories and promoting self care for princesses. Lollipops & Gumdrops has both a storefront and mobile spa bus.

• ‍Founder: Lakeycia Cooper‍
• Email: lgevents2003@yahoo.com‍
• Phone: (305) 450-2933‍
• Social Media: @lollipopsgumdropsspabus‍
• Website: lollipopsgumdropschildrensspa.com‍
• Location: 1119 NW 3rd Ave, Miami FL

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Pikitin Learning Projects

Educational resources based on music and authentic literature, aimed at supporting bilingualism, multiculturalism, and creativity in children, youth, and families so that they can learn a second language or strengthen it.

• Founders: Rita Rosa Ruesga
• Email: hello@pikitin.com
• Phone: (786) 218-2800
• Social Media: @pikitinlearning
• Website: pikitin.com

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BLAVK

A jewelry brand that focuses on the exploration of sacred adornment, in order to provide protection and a sense of control for Black people. Utilizing symbols, natural minerals and gemstones to continue the tradition of adorning one’s body with symbols for safety and power.

• Founder: Rebecca Lee
• Email: blavkjewelry@gmail.com
• Social Media: @blavkjewelry‍
• Website: blavkjewelry.com

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The Caribe Vegan

Handcrafted vegan island food sold out of a food-truck!

• Founder: Melissa Guzman
• Email: thecaribevegan@gmail.com
• Social Media: @thecaribevegan
• Website: thecaribevegan.com‍
• Location: Multiple locations! Check social media for updates.

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Compost For Life

A composting community initiative in Miami, offering residential and commercial compost pickup services. Their goal is to reduce environmental impact by diverting food waste from landfills, and recycle it into high quality soil to create a sustainable cycle. Currently servicing all zip codes in Miami-Dade county.

• Founder: Francisco Torres
• Email: francisco@compostforlifemiami.com
• Social Media: @compostforlife
• Website: compostforlifemiami.com

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One on One Behavioral Services

Ethical ABA services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in South Florida. Whether it is at home, school, or out in the community, 1on1 goes where they are needed. They work directly with families to provide the right level of care.

• Founder: Jeanne Luis
• Email: info@onebehavior.com
• Phone: (305) 204-7030
• Social Media: @1on1aba‍
• Website: onebehavior.com

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Click here to learn about the winners that were announced during the first round (September 16th).