Campuses & Programs

Turn your challenges into opportunities

We look outward in our community, empowering small business owners to keep growing their ventures.

Our signature 12-week program is a proven model to teach small business owners how to tackle their daily challenges in operations, including marketing, finance, and strategy. With the guidance and support of specialized business advisors, we help them navigate the path and apply the learnings to their business. Together, we create a clear and actionable road map to make their goals a reality.  

In addition, we organize regular workshops and deep dives on topics that are relevant to small business owners, including, but not limited to AI for small business owners, building your online brand, and accessing capital, among others.

Our Impact…In Numbers 

Since its inception Scale Up, has served 500+ small business owners through our programs, Impacted 400+ minority-owned businesses, invested $30k+ in grants to small business owners and helped secure $200k+ in external funding for program alums 

Success Stories

Maureen Mascaro, Founder of the Common Area
“My growth plan was validated and expanded through the ScaleUp Program.

Debra Allen, Founder of Sweet Delights
“I want to thank the ScaleUp team for being a great support, and everybody who has given me this awesome opportunity.” 

Ann Ueno, Founder of Studio 790 Interior Design
“[ScaleUp] is setting entrepreneurs up for success . . . [applying] was the best thing that I could have done.” 

In the News:

“South Dade Connections is excited to collaborate with the Idea Center team as a partner. We were able to explore the state-of-the-art facility which will provide valuable entrepreneurial resources to small business owners in the South Dade community.” (South Dade News Leader) 

“It’s all about equipping our local entrepreneurs in District 5 with the tools and resources they need to thrive.” (MDC News)

“Together with our world-class faculty, we will transform The Idea Center at Miami Dade College into the leader in entrepreneurship and innovation education among colleges in the nation” (Refresh Miami)