MIAMI – (Feb. 12, 2014) – Enterprise Development of South Florida, a nonprofit that fosters local entrepreneurs, will expand its offerings and establish a hub in downtown Miami with $175,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Since its founding in 1994, Enterprise Development Corp. has helped promising entrepreneurs grow and succeed by providing support services, access to mentors, and opportunities to connect with investors and other business leaders. It assists more than 300 companies annually and has contributed more than $500 million in economic impact to the region by contributing to the growth of businesses in the region.
Related Link
“Enterprise Development Corp. expands efforts to elevate S. Florida startups” by Rob Strandberg on KnightBlog.org
Previously headquartered in Boca Raton, Knight funding will help establish a new hub for the organization at Pipeline Brickell, offering Miami area entrepreneurs expanded support services in a central location. Additionally, Enterprise Development Corp. will contribute to the growth of more than 40 Miami startups in the next 12 months, relying on an incubator model that supports business development at every stage based on individual needs. The organization will also host six events—ranging from pitch sessions to discussions with business leaders—aimed at pooling ideas and creating connections between Miami entrepreneurs.
“Enterprise Development Corp. fills an important gap by providing entrepreneurs at all stages—newly created, mid-level, mature—with the essential resources they need to grow and succeed,” said Matt Haggman Knight Foundation program director for Miami. “This new location will offer the benefit of proximity and visibility, drawing in Miami’s growing community of talented entrepreneurs.”
“This support will enable Enterprise Development Corporation to significantly increase its impact on Miami’s entrepreneurs at a promising inflection point in the city’s rise as an emerging center for business innovation,” said Rob Strandberg, Enterprise Development Corporation’s president. “We look forward to marshaling our resources to help provide Miami entrepreneurs with the necessary mentorship, strategic counsel, and access to capital to help propel their growth.”
Support for Enterprise Development Corp. forms one part of Knight Foundation’s efforts to attract talent and create new opportunities by strengthening Miami’s emerging community of entrepreneurs, startups and makers.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. www.knightfoundation.org
About Enterprise Development Corporation
Enterprise Development Corporation of South Florida is a 501 c(3), non-profit organization dedicated to providing entrepreneurial support services to emerging high-growth companies throughout South Florida. Founded in 1994, EDC assists more than 300 companies annually and has achieved an overall economic impact that exceeds $500 million. Through its key initiatives and resource networks, the EDC provides companies with the mentorship, strategic advisory services, and connections to funding sources that they need in order to grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.edc-tech.org.
Contact
Anusha Alikhan, Director of Communications, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2677, [email protected]