Make Waves in Your Business.
This isn’t another conference. It’s the room where bold entrepreneurs lock in strategy, relationships, and momentum that actually moves the needle.
Our Why
The Vision Behind the Summit
The Teach to Fish Business Summit takes its name from an adage we all know: “Give someone a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach someone to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.”
Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, MPA brought this vision to life — creating more than an event, but a movement to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and access they need to thrive for a lifetime.
From the start, the goal was clear: remove barriers, expand opportunity, and give small businesses the same visibility and capital once reserved for a select few.
We exist so ambition meets opportunity — and no one builds alone.
3-DAY EXPERIENCE
What's On Deck
Day 1: Welcome & Connections
Open mixer, sponsor activations, and first look at the Business Expo.
Day 2: Strategies &
Spotlights
Keynote, expert panels, busniess sessions, and the pitch competition.
Day 3: Marketplace & Masterminds
Business Expo, closing mixer, and high-level relationship building.
Our Why
The Vision Behind the Summit
The Teach to Fish Business Summit takes its name from an adage we all know: “Give someone a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach someone to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.”
Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, MPA brought this vision to life — creating more than an event, but a movement to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and access they need to thrive for a lifetime.
From the start, the goal was clear: remove barriers, expand opportunity, and give small businesses the same visibility and capital once reserved for a select few.
We exist so ambition meets opportunity — and no one builds alone.
Who It’s For
Find Your People. Build Your Next Move.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Turn sharp ideas into sustainable revenue.
Established Owners
Scale smarter: systems, teams, capital, and brand.
Investors & Partners
Meet bold ventures and founders ready to move.
Community Leaders
Fuel local growth and measurable impact.
Pitch • Power • Presence
$5000 Could Change Everything. 20 Winners. One Stage.
Two minutes. One shot. Show the judges why your business deserves a $5K grant — and prove your idea is ready to make waves.
At a Glance
Agenda Snapshot
Day 1 – 12
Business & Bubbles Brunch
An elevated welcome experience featuring our keynote speaker, high-level networking, and curated conversations to kick off the summit.
Day 2 – 13
Workshops + Strategy Sessions
A full day of hands-on learning, panel discussions, and breakout sessions covering branding, funding, contracts, and business development.
Day 3 – 14
Mastery Luncheon + Pitch Competition
Our closing experience includes the $5K Pitch Competition, special keynote from the CEO of Red Lobster, and celebration of bold business moves.
Sponsorship
Your Brand Belongs Here
Big Fish
(Presenting)
Primary placement, keynote moment, premium expo table.
Equity Builder
(Session)
Session partnership, opt-in leads, expo presence.
Cast the Net
(Networker)
Opening/closing mixer sponsor with on-site address.
Break Room
(Luncheon)
Branded lunch experience with visual dominance.
Hear from experts
Featured Speakers
Dr. Amira Ogunleye
Founder and CEO | Beautiful Smiles
A nationally recognized cosmetic dentist and award-winning entrepreneur, Dr. Amira has built a thriving brand at the intersection of healthcare, beauty, and business empowerment.
Damola Adamolekun
CEO | Red Lobster
As CEO of Red Lobster, Damola Adamolekun leads one of the nation’s most iconic restaurant brands and brings billion-dollar insights on growth, leadership, and strategy.
The Summit Experience
Speaker Spotlight
Learn from Leaders Who’ve Built It
Damola Adamolekun
CEO, Red Lobster — Bold moves. Sustained success.
Speaker Name
Title / Company — One-line
power statement.
Speaker Name
Title / Company — One-line
power statement.
Hear from experts
Speakers Gallery
Hear from experts who have successfully built equity in their businesses and are eager to share their knowledge.
In Their Words
Testimonials
The workshops gave me practical tools I could use right away. Highly recommend it to any entrepreneur.
I took time off work because the content was too valuable to miss. It gave me the confidence to grow my business.
The summit connected me with the right people and gave me the tools to grow. It was an empowering experience
The advisor sessions were one of the best parts of the summit. They offered real, personalized guidance.
Our Partners
On the Hook • Business Expo
Where Ideas Meet Investment
On the Hook • Business Expo, Where Ideas Meet Investment
High-Traffic Floor
Three days of face time with buyers, partners, and press.
Premium Booths
Modern setups, frictionless lead capture, brand-forward.
Real Connections
Focused time for discovery, demos, and deals.
Grants
Grants and Applications
2024 Grant Program
Requirements
- Business in CRA boundaries
- Government-issued ID
- Receipts/invoices
- Compliance letter
- Photos (inside & outside)
- Certificate of Use + BTR
- Local, for-profit businesses
2025 Grant + Pitch
Requirements
- All 2024 requirements
- PLUS: 2-min pitch at Summit
- Starts with Pitch Application
Location
Kovens Conference Center, FIU Biscayne Bay Campus
The Kovens Conference Center at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus sets the stage for the Teach to Fish Business Summit. With stunning waterfront views and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s the perfect backdrop for big ideas, bold conversations, and unforgettable connections.
In Their Words
Social Proof & Energy
“We closed two partnerships from introductions we made at the summit.”
— Sponsor
“I left with a plan, a mentor, and three qualified leads.”
— Attendee
“It felt like the room where it happens — doors opened for us here.”
— Exhibitor
Make Waves: Be Bold, Evolve, Succeed
You Belong in This Room
Seats will go fast — and so will the opportunities. Don’t watch from the sidelines.
Join The Wave
Get early access to tickets, speaker announcements, and grant alerts.
Sign up and stay in the loop
