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Community Economic Development
We believe a just and inclusive economy is shaped by the power of people and community.
Building wealth isn’t simply financial — it takes power-building to shift systems and ensure transformative outcomes. At Catalyst Miami, we invest in communities as they self-determine how to leverage their resources. We help put power back in the hands of communities by creating wealth-building opportunities that are controlled by people themselves, and by increasing their civic engagement.
Our individualized services are designed to help families improve their health and financial stability. Our community-wide initiatives focus on incubating programs and solutions that promote economic inclusiveness and help build community-owned and -governed institutions. Our collective efforts foster more equitable, people-driven economic systems from which everyone can benefit.
Scroll down to see a list of our programs.
Our community-centered programs and initiatives are creating more equity.
Lowering liquid-asset poverty and financial insecurity
Lowering unemployment and underemployment
Expanding wealth-building opportunities for people of all ages
Supporting local small businesses and worker cooperatives
Increasing access to health care, income supports, and financial tools via high-touch coaching
Increasing community control and ownership
Small Business Support
Small businesses are the bedrock of our local economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Catalyst Miami was one of three organizations to receive a grant from the City of Miami to support small businesses that had suffered economic losses. We began providing technical assistance to help businesses get back on their feet, and we will continue offering this service at no cost.
North Miami Community Investment Cooperative
The North Miami Community Investment Cooperative (NM-CIC) will allow North Miami residents to cooperatively own and operate commercial property. In the first phase of each property, Catalyst Miami will facilitate the purchase and initial management of commercial real estate, including making infrastructural repairs and managing commercial tenant relations. Then, Catalyst Miami will oversee the process of selling the properties back to individual members of the surrounding community.
Financial & Health Services
Catalyst Miami connects individuals and families to health insurance and income supports (basic needs services), and provides financial services, products, and coaching. Through partnerships, we also help clients navigate issues related to immigration, education, employment, and housing. We bring these services to where residents live and work, improving community members’ general well-being and sharing tools for them to act as advocates in their own lives.
Worker-Owned Enterprises Program
Catalyst Miami is committed to building a more democratic economy through our Worker-Owned Enterprises Program. This initiative, launched in 2019, helps Miami residents learn about and develop worker cooperatives, an alternative business model that puts employees and community benefits at the forefront. By expanding worker cooperatives in Miami, this program contributes to a more resilient and inclusive business sector that works for all.
In contrast to traditional companies, workers operating within cooperatives collectively own, democratically manage, and share the profits from the business. Not only do employee-owned businesses increase the agency of workers, they also contribute to a more equitable economy through jobs that build wealth for all employees and promote community economic development.
Building Prosperity Workforce Cohort
The Building Prosperity Workforce Cohort aims to help people transition into full-time, living-wage jobs. Each cohort member is placed with some of Miami's top workforce programs offering employment training and opportunities. As they each go through their programs, they also meet monthly as a group to share their learnings and support each other—receiving $50 for each group meeting they attend.
Tax Preparation
Catalyst Miami offers free tax preparation services for households earning $57,000 or less annually. We help clients file taxes and navigate other tax-related needs.
Future Bound Miami
Future Bound Miami is a Children's Savings Account (CSA) program that establishes a free, long-term savings account for kindergarten students, increasing their readiness for college or postsecondary education. By 2023, we seek to establish a CSA for all kindergarten students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS).