Miami Dade College

“As business changes, as the world changes, [it’s about] helping students understand what it means to have that mindset of problem-solving, creativity, leadership— those skills that are going to help you succeed in any industry,” says Gonzalez. The college’s idea center offers programs for a variety of business types, from mom-and-pop stores to restaurants and barbershops, plus a series of monthly workshops. Each program emphasizes practical skills in the rapidly evolving economic climate. For example, Miami Dade College is launching a series teaching students how to use artificial intelligence to make their business processes more efficient. Beyond that, MDC offers a successful “scale-up program,” which uses a 12-week cohort model where small businesses enter the system, develop growth plans for their company, and network with other business owners. Many small businesses need capital to grow, too, which is why Miami Dade College connects its students with banks, community development financial institutions, and other grant opportunities in the community. In 2024, Gonzalez anticipates six cohorts of small 5 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 05 MIAMI DADE COLLEGE