Small Business Development in Overtown

The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency continues to invest in economic development and small businesses. From COVID-19 emergency grant funding to CRA Construction grants, small businesses remain at the heart of the SEOPW CRA's community empowerment initiatives. On this episode host, City of Miami Commissioner Jeffrey Watson, spotlights the expansion of the SEOPW CRA's latest small business construction grants awarded to two businesses in the redevelopment area. The former owners of Copper Door Bed & Breakfast, Jamila West and Akino West, will embark on an exciting new business venture for their new café and bar concept called Negra Y Fuerte. The café and bar will be located on the ground floor of the Soleste Grand Central located at 218 NW 8th Street in the Overtown redevelopment area. Additionally, Overtown staple Lil Greenhouse Grill restaurant, which recently received national recognition by Oprah Winfrey and several local awards, will expand to the ground floor of Lyric Point, a freestanding retail and office space located at 101 NW 8th Street in the redevelopment area. Lil Greenhouse Grill, currently located at 1300 NW 3rd Avenue, is a soul-food restaurant owned and operated by Overtown resident Chef Karim Bryant who has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant business, and Nicole Gates. Chef Bryant previously operated a mobile restaurant located in Overtown, and he also managed the Theodore Gibson Park Concession Grill. Lil Greenhouse restaurant Co-owner Nicole Gates shares insight on what the community can expect to see with the new expansion.