Inspiring Journeys, Lasting Impact

Prospera brings together leaders, funders, and partners to celebrate small business success

MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prospera hosted its signature annual event, presented by Verizon, at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables. Stakeholders of the nonprofit, economic development organization came together at the 2025 Prospera Success Stories—whose theme was Together We Thrive—to celebrate successful local small business owners who have received Prospera's assistance, raise funds to help sustain the organization's services, and shine a spotlight on impactful ecosystem collaborations.

The following entrepreneurs were recognized as 2025 honorees:

• Claudia Romero , owner of Pega Grill
• Alejandra and Jose Sandoval , co-owners of TBK Food Trucks

"We have a lot of work to do to ensure that those businesses that are starting have the knowledge and resources they need not just to survive but also thrive, and we will continue working to deliver the best handholding and trusted guidance for small business owners alongside our volunteers, partners, and funders. Let's continue collaborating for a more resilient and prosperous South Florida," said Prospera Governing Board Chair George Bermudez, Bank of America senior vice president and southeast sales performance executive.

Telemundo 51 news anchor and Encuentro Virtual hostess Gloria Ordaz opened the event. Prospera South Florida Vice President Myrna Sonora welcomed guests and recognized the contributions of volunteers, partners, and funders who make Prospera's mission possible. Other community leaders delivered remarks, including event sponsor representatives and Miami-Dade County Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity Manny Cid. Prospera President and CEO Augusto Sanabria moderated a panel on access to capital for local small businesses featuring South Florida entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders:

• James Kohnstamm, Miami-Dade County Director of Economic Development
• Amanda Dietz, JPMorganChase Executive Director and Southeast Regional Area Manager
• Monika Mantilla, President & CEO of Altura Capital
• Fabiana Estrada, Regional Vice President of Lending & Business Development at Ascendus

Together, they underscored the importance of innovative solutions, public-private partnerships, and equitable access to financial resources as essential drivers for small business success.

"When we collaborate to help entrepreneurs establish clear roadmaps, secure capital, plan strategically, scale operations, and build wealth, they not only thrive but also leave lasting legacies in our community. Every client we empower through tailored education and guidance builds resilient businesses, creates jobs, strengthens families, and ultimately drives prosperity across our region," said Sonora.

The event was presented with the support of the following sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsor: Verizon
• Host Sponsors: AT&T, Banesco, Bank of America, Bank United, Capital One, Citizens Bank, JPMorganChase, Truist, and Wells Fargo
• Champion Sponsors: First Bank, Health Foundation of South Florida, Hispanic Federation, NUC Online Division, TD Bank, and Telemundo 51

About Prospera
Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization that has specialized since 1991 in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs who want to start, sustain, and grow their business. In the last five years alone, Prospera facilitated nearly $65 million in loans for small business clients, trained more than 17,000 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain more than 18,600 jobs. Prospera currently serves Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. For more information, visit www.prosperausa.org.  

Media Contact: Soledad Jacobson, (786) 329-5830, [email protected]

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SOURCE Prospera