FAQs
Quick Answers: Top 5 Questions
1. When & Where?
Friday, October 24, 2025 · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, Downtown Miami
Chapman Conference Center
245 NE 4th Street, Building 3, 2nd Floor, Room 3210
Miami, FL 33132
2. Is the event free?
Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
3. What’s the dress code?
Business casual. Some rooms may be cool, consider bringing a sweater or other extra layer. Sessions are held in different buildings. Although everything is within a block or closer, wear comfortable shoes as some walking outside is necessary. You may also want to bring a computer or tablet for note-taking and/or workshop participation (computer needed for select workshops where noted). And remember to pack an umbrella!
4. Will food & Wi-Fi be provided?
Yes. A light breakfast, boxed lunch, and refreshments will be provided. Free Wi-Fi will be available (details shared onsite).
5. What else should I know?
Make sure to download the Whova app prior to the conference so you can register for specific sessions, receive important updates and connect with other event participants.
OUR Commitment to Sustainability
Elevate Small Business: Connect. Grow. Lead. is proudly designed with the planet in mind. From recycled notebooks and reusable tote bags to eco-friendly signage and staff shirts, every material is thoughtfully chosen to be sustainable and responsibly sourced. We’re even providing refillable aluminum bottles with convenient water refill stations to help eliminate single-use plastics!
We have partnered with Compost for Life so that throughout the event, you’ll find composting stations for food scraps and biodegradable utensils and containers, alongside recycling bins for paper and aluminum. We’re also collecting glass bottles to repurpose and reuse courtesy of our friends at Glass for Life. Our goal is to divert nearly all waste from landfills and create an inspiring model for how events can lead the way in sustainability.
ABOUT the event
1. What is Elevate Small Business?
Elevate Small Business is a free one-day conference, hosted by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, bringing together Miami-Dade entrepreneurs, funders, resource partners, and community leaders to connect, learn, and grow.
Elevate Small Business builds on the success of Elevate District 5, championed by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, which has supported over 1,000 businesses since its inception in 2022 by providing 50+ training sessions and awarding nearly 750 grants. Learn more about Elevate District 5 and view the Impact Report here.
2. Who should attend the conference?
Small business owners, startups, entrepreneurs, funders, financial institutions, small business service and resource providers, elected officials, media, and anyone interested in supporting the local small business ecosystem.
3. Is the event really free?
Yes! Attendance is free with registration.
4. Do I need to register in advance?
Yes. Registration is required and space is limited, so secure your spot early.
Logistics & Access
1. Where is the conference being held?
Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, Downtown Miami
Chapman Conference Center
245 NE 4th Street, Building 3, 2nd Floor, Room 3210
Miami, FL 33132
2. What are the event hours?
Registration opens at 8:00 AM and the conference will conclude at 6:00 PM.
3. Is parking or public transit available?
Yes. Free parking will be available in the MDC Wolfson parking lot located at 7 NE 5th St, Miami, FL 33132. Paid street parking is nearby, and the campus is accessible via Metrorail, Metromover (College Bayside Station), and several bus routes.
4. Will food or refreshments be provided?
Yes. A light breakfast, boxed lunch, and refreshments will be provided. A vendor marketplace, selling food and other items, will also be available onsite.
5. Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. All rooms are ADA-compliant, and elevators and escalators are available throughout the campus. Please check with us if you need specific accommodations by emailing info@elevatesmall.biz.
6. Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, Wi-Fi will be provided by Miami Dade College. Access details will be shared closer to the event.
7. Is childcare available?
No. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer childcare.
8. What is the dress code?
Business casual. Some rooms may be cool, consider bringing a sweater or other extra layer. Sessions are held in different buildings. Although everything is within a block or closer, wear comfortable shoes as some walking outside is necessary. You may also want to bring a computer or tablet for note-taking and/or workshop participation (computer needed for select workshops where noted). And remember to pack an umbrella!
Programming & Content
1. Where can I find the agenda?
The most up-to-date agenda will be available in the Whova app. The agenda can also be previewed here.
2. Do I need to register for workshops and breakout sessions separately?
Yes, all sessions will have limited capacity. It is important that you register for each session you are interested in attending. If your ability to attend changes, please cancel your session registration so others on the waitlist can attend. You can register for the sessions you are interested in via the Whova app.
3. Who are the speakers or panelists?
Speaker and panelist information will be updated regularly on the Whova app and event website.
4. What languages will the sessions be available in?
Sessions are primarily in English. Spanish and Haitian Creole translation will be available via headsets on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Will sessions be recorded or available after the event?
Some sessions may be recorded. Check the Whova app and website for updates after the event.
Participation
1. Can I bring a guest?
Yes, but each guest must register individually.
2. How can I become a sponsor?
Email us at info@elevatesmall.biz to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
3. Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes! Dedicated networking sessions and informal meetups will be available throughout the day.
4. Can the media attend the event?
Yes, media is welcomed - any inquiries can be directed to info@elevatesmall.biz.
Other
1. Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Email us at info@elevatesmall.biz.
2. What if I can no longer attend after registering?
If you can’t attend, please contact us at info@elevatesmall.biz and we will update your registration.
3. How will photos and recordings from the event be used?
By attending, you consent to photography and video recording. Images may be used in event communications, future promotions, and social media.
4. I can’t register or the registration button isn’t working. What should I do?
You may need to disable pop-up blockers on your phone or browser. iPhone Safari users often need to adjust this setting. Guide: https://www.browserstack.com/guide/how-to-allow-pop-ups-on-iphone. If you need additional assistance, contact us at info@elevatesmall.biz.