Entrepreneur Opportunity Comes to MDC-Homestead

The glass-fronted Student Success Center at Miami-Dade College’s Homestead Campus is far more than an example of impressive architecture.

Early drawings of the building often raised questions, as the space was neither a conference center nor traditional classrooms. It is home to The Idea Center, the entrepreneurship and innovation hub at Miami-Dade College and a proud member of the Blackstone LaunchPad network.

The unique space has hosted a variety of events, including the first Build Up Cohort in August 2025. Graduate Sapphire Emmanuel described the experience as transformative.

“Through this program, I’ve learned how to create a solid business plan, understand budgeting, spreadsheets and profit margins, and identify funding resources within my community,” Emmanuel said.

“I’ve also connected with like-minded entrepreneurs and, most importantly, a mentor who has poured into my business and connected me with highly trained professionals in my field.”

Applications are now open for Build Up Cohort 2, a six-week program beginning Feb. 9. The program is described as a hands-on experience designed to help participants move from idea to action through practical business training, mentorship and a student consulting phase with real deliverables for their businesses.

Jorge I. Guillen, small business program manager, explained that the cohort is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, including those who are still in the idea phase. Anyone interested in starting a business in Miami-Dade County is welcome to apply.

Participants must be able to attend all sessions, held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sessions feature a mix of MDC faculty and successful entrepreneurs.

The program schedule includes:

Monday, Feb. 9:
Program kickoff – The Entrepreneurial Dream.

Tuesday, Feb. 17:
What You Need to Know About the Numbers.

Tuesday, Feb. 24:
Planning, Thinking Strategically, and Managing Risk.

Tuesday, March 3:
Getting Resources (Including Money) When You Do Not Have Money.

Tuesday, March 10:
Customers Drive the Business.

Tuesday, March 17:
Operations, Organizing, and Other Fundamentals That Matter, followed by a graduation reception.

Those interested and able to commit to the schedule are encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact Guillen at jguillen@mdc.edu or call (305) 237-4915 or (786) 859-9619.

The program is run in partnership with the University of Notre Dame as part of the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative, which operates similar programs in more than 60 cities worldwide.

The Idea Center is located in the Student Success Center, Building C, at 500 College Terrace in Homestead, directly across from Homestead City Hall.

For more information about MDC-Homestead, visit mdc.edu/homestead.