Have you ever hit a wall of bureaucracy or didn't know where to turn to grow your business in Miami-Dade? In this revealing episode, we break down the myths and connect the dots. An architect and contractor on the front lines sits down with us to talk real resources, permits, strategies, and how collaboration between business and government is building our community's future. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or just passionate about local development, this is for you.
Today's Guests:
- Luzyanis Fraga – Architect, General Contractor, and founder of Fraga Builders. An immigrant, single mother, and entrepreneur on a mission to build homes and communities with purpose.
- Mark Gomez – Director of Business Relations & Sponsorships for the City of Hialeah. His new role is to be the bridge that removes barriers and fast-tracks business success in the city.
Hosted by: Tico Casamayor and Irvans Augustine.
Key Conversation Points:
- [00:01:00] The Strive305 Mission: Connecting businesses to resources (and the first episode's success!).
- [00:05:30] Luzyanis shares her story: from immigrant to architect and contractor, building a legacy in Miami.
- [00:12:00] The real challenges for a small business today: uncertainty, clients on hold, and the support network.
- [00:17:30] Mark reveals his new role: What is a "Director of Business Relations" and how can he help YOUR business?
- [00:25:00] The permitting process: From months to weeks. How Hialeah is using tech to make business easier.
- [00:33:00] Case Study & Heart: Lucanis's powerful story of helping a widowed teacher with 9 kids rebuild her home after a fire.
- [00:45:00] How to access networking events, ribbon-cuttings, and city marketing support.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Strive305 Hub: Your resource map for business in Miami-Dade. https://www.strive305hub.com/
- City of Hialeah - Business Relations Department.
- Hialeah Chamber of Commerce.
- Access Helps (accesshelps.org) – Resources for single mothers and families.
Follow Strive305 & Our Guests:
- Podcast: @Strive305hub on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.
- Luzyanis Fraga: @Fragabuilders [or her personal handle if shared].
- City of Hialeah: @CityofHialeah (Instagram) / @HialeahFL (Twitter).
About the Strive305 Podcast:
A podcast from Miami Community Newspapers, hosted by Tico Casamayor and Irvans Augustine. We connect entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community leaders with the resources, stories, and strategies they need to thrive in the 305. More than news, we're your bridge to growth.
About Miami Community Newspapers:
Your go-to source for community news in Miami. Daily updates, podcasts, magazines, and multimedia content covering local events, business, and lifestyle across Miami-Dade County. Family-owned, community-hearted.
