Showcasing Small Business Growth and Community Impact

Prospera hosts annual event recognizing local entrepreneurs and contributions

MIAMI, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prospera held its annual entrepreneurship celebration, presented by Verizon, at the Miracle Theatre. The 2026 Prospera Success Stories event, whose theme was 35 Years Rooted in Impact, brought together the organization's stakeholders to recognize outstanding local businesses that have benefited from its services and highlight their contributions to South Florida's economic development.

The following small business owners were recognized:

• Mirna Diaz and Dimas Baquedano, owners of Tortillas La Catracha 
• Steven Sarduy, owner of Indemnity Security & Investigations (ISI) 
• Mayra Perez, owner of Children of the New Sun Academy 

The program, led by Prospera South Florida Vice President Myrna Sonora, reflected on the organization's 35 years of service, including 15 years in South Florida. It also addressed the challenges facing entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them, emphasizing the importance of continued investment and collaboration to strengthen the region's small business ecosystem.

The event also featured a panel moderated by Telemundo 51 news anchor and Encuentro Virtual hostess Gloria Ordaz, during which Prospera Clients' Circle members shared their experiences and charitable community contributions:

• Edmerson Vasquez, co-owner of 3Cycle and Neo Broadband
• Margueritte Ramos, owner of ShadeFLA
• Dr. Damaris Mafut, owner of Fitlife Pediatric Consultants

"We believe that when small businesses succeed, entire communities become stronger," said Gamal T. Caton, Senior Director of Retail at Verizon. "That's why, through our free Small Business Digital Ready program, we've helped empower more than 500,000 small businesses with access to digital tools, coaching, and resources to help them grow."

In addition to Presenting Sponsor Verizon, the event was made possible by:

• Premier Sponsors: Capital One and The Miami Foundation
• Host Sponsors: AT&T, Banesco, Bank of America, Bank United, JPMorganChase, and Wells Fargo.
• Champion Sponsors: Health Foundation of South Florida, Northbridge University, TD Bank, and Telemundo.

About Prospera
Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization that has specialized since 1991 in providing bilingual assistance to entrepreneurs who want to start, sustain, and grow their business. In the last five years alone, Prospera facilitated $56.8 million in loans for small business clients, trained more than 17,700 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain more than 17,600 jobs. Prospera currently serves Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. For more information, visit www.prosperausa.org.

Media Contact: Soledad Jacobson, [email protected], (786) 826-9570

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SOURCE Prospera