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Celebrating Small Business Growth with Prospera's 2026 Event

On October 22, 2026, Prospera hosted its popular annual entrepreneurship celebration at the iconic Miracle Theatre, proudly presented by Verizon. This year's theme, "35 Years Rooted in Impact," was a tribute to the organization's commitment to empowering local businesses and enhancing the economic landscape of South Florida.

The event was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to their communities, showcasing the fruits of their hard work and determination. Attendees included esteemed stakeholders and business owners who shared their success stories, illustrating how Prospera's resources have played a pivotal role in their journey.

Among the honorees were Mirna Diaz and Dimas Baquedano, the dynamic duo behind Tortillas La Catracha, a business renowned for authentic cuisine. Additionally, Steven Sarduy, owner of Indemnity Security Investigations (ISI), and Mayra Perez, founder of Children of the New Sun Academy, were recognized for their inspirational innovations and dedication to service. These entrepreneurs exemplify how small businesses can flourish with the right support and guidance.

Myrna Sonora, Vice President of Prospera South Florida, led the program, reflecting on the organization’s three-decade-long journey in fostering entrepreneurship, especially highlighting the 15 years dedicated to South Florida. She discussed the multifaceted challenges that entrepreneurs face, underlining the critical need for ongoing investment and collaborative efforts to enhance the regional small business environment.

A notable feature of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Gloria Ordaz, a respected news anchor from Telemundo 51. During this session, panelists Edmerson Vasquez, co-owner of 3Cycle and Neo Broadband, Margueritte Ramos from ShadeFLA, and Dr. Damaris Mafut of Fitlife Pediatric Consultants shared personal insights about their entrepreneurial experiences and their impactful community contributions.

Gamal T. Caton, Verizon's Senior Director of Retail, articulated the company’s vision, emphasizing, "When small businesses thrive, entire communities become more resilient and robust." He shared how Verizon's initiative, the Small Business Digital Ready program, has already empowered over 500,000 small business owners with essential digital tools, coaching, and resources needed for growth.

The event relied on the generous support of multiple sponsors, including Premier Sponsors Capital One and The Miami Foundation, alongside Host Sponsors such as ATT, Banesco, Bank of America, Bank United, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo. Champion Sponsors—Health Foundation of South Florida, Northbridge University, TD Bank, and Telemundo—also played a crucial role in making this occasion a success.

About Prospera

Founded in 1991, Prospera is a nonprofit economic development organization committed to providing bilingual assistance to entrepreneurs. Over the past five years, it has facilitated an impressive $56.8 million in loans, training over 17,700 entrepreneurs and helping to create or retain more than 17,600 jobs across Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. Its dedicated efforts continue to empower the entrepreneurial community, encouraging innovation and growth.

For more information, visit Prospera's official website.