There is hope for a significant transformation in Liberty City when the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce relocates its office from Barry University in Miami Shores to the largely Black neighborhood in late spring or early summer.

“You’ll begin to see a lot of new entrepreneurs out of Liberty City,” said Eric Knowles, president and CEO of the Chamber.  “It’s absolutely always a need to support small businesses growing, in particular Black businesses,” he said. 

The Chamber was started in Liberty City back in October of 1974, so having its roots in the neighborhood sends a message to local would-be business owners, Knowles said.

He added the Chamber has been blessed with the “benevolence” of organizations in the area. Related Urban Development donated the new space.

The Chamber’s new 3,500-square-foot office at Liberty Square more than doubles the size of its previous 1,000-square-foot office at Barry University. 

For the first time, the Chamber will have access to a business incubator center where entrepreneurs attend workshops and technical support, such as marketing plans or how to obtain the necessary business licenses.

“A lot of people have the desire. A lot of people have the skill to create or build something. But because you know you’re a great cook doesn’t mean you’re a great business person,” Knowles said.

BIILY JEAN LOUIS is the senior editor of the Key Biscayne Independent. A native of Port Au Prince, Haiti, Jean Louis  has worked for Bloomberg and the Baltimore Sun. He is a corps member of Report for America



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