2026 Small Business Bootcamp

The Economic Development Committee of the Town of Miami Lakes is excited to present a workshop for new and prospective business owners!
About this Event

Are you a passionate entrepreneur with big dreams of starting your own business? Do you want to take your existing small business to new heights? Look no further! Welcome to the Small Business Bootcamp.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Small Business Bootcamp is a dynamic and informative gathering designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and connections necessary to thrive in the competitive world of entrepreneurship in and around Miami Lakes, hosted at Miami Lakes Town Hall (6601 Main Street) on Friday, September 25 beginning at 9:30 AM.

Meet the Speakers

Drew Vidaurrazaga, Owner & CEO, Vida Custom Designs

Drew Vidaurrazaga is the Owner and CEO of Vida Custom Designs and Imperial Tech Shop, a South Florida-based custom manufacturing and technology company specializing in laser engraving, UV printing, 3D printing, signage, and product customization. He is passionate about combining hands-on manufacturing with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to improve workflows, accelerate design processes, and enhance customer experiences. Drew actively explores how AI can support small businesses through automation, creative development, production planning, and custom software solutions. His work focuses on bringing innovation and manufacturing together through in-house production, rapid prototyping, and creative problem-solving. He regularly collaborates with businesses, schools, and community organizations to create custom products, branded experiences, and educational demonstrations. Drew is also active in the maker community and frequently showcases technology and manufacturing at events such as Maker Faire Miami. Through his companies, he combines engineering, creativity, entrepreneurship, and AI-driven innovation to help turn ideas into reality.

Roxana Miranda, Founder & President, Vellu Laser

Roxana Miranda is the Founder and President of Vellu Laser, a Miami Lakes-based med-spa. As a young entrepreneur and mother of three, she built Vellu from the ground up with a passion for confidence, community, and creating a memorable client experience. Known for her creative marketing, strong branding, and hands-on approach, Roxana has grown Vellu into a recognizable local business. She is also an active member of BNI Miami Lakes and serves on the board of the Town of Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, where she continues to support and connect with local business owners.

Thiago Ferreira, Founder and CEO, Elevate AI Consulting

Thiago E. Ferreira is the Founder and CEO of Elevate AI Consulting, a Miami Beach-based AI consulting firm, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Miami, where he teaches a course titled "Human-Centered AI for All". One of the leading voices on AI adoption and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) in South Florida, Thiago operates from a "Human Intelligence First" philosophy: you bring the intelligence, AI is just the tool. He cuts through the hype and helps organizations build the mindset, governance, and workflows to make AI actually stick. His work spans corporate AI training and bootcamps, AEO, custom AI development, and Fractional Chief AI Officer engagements for enterprise and SMB clients across North and Latin America. Thiago is also a live case study for what he teaches: Elevate AI Consulting consistently appears as a top recommendation in ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for AI consulting in Miami.

Mylo Gonzalez, Owner, NQC ‘No Quiero Cocinar’

Mylo Gonzalez, owner and long-time Miami Lakes resident, was born into the restaurant business. With a retired chef as a mom, and even co-running El Pimiento with his family

back in 2014, Gonzalez had years of experience. Not to mention many ideas that included some sort of quick-service that would have wholesome food and modern twists on traditional meals any South Floridian would recognize. The name NQC is an acronym with many definitions. At first, Gonzalez and his wife decided on NQC to stand for “Natural Quality Cooking”, but after a comment from one of his regulars about his wife’s disdain for cooking, a light bulb went off, and thus “No Quiero Cocinar,” which means “I don’t want to cook” in Spanish, was born.

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Registration & Breakfast sponsored by Miami Lakes BNI & Chamber of Commerce
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome & Introduction
Host: Matthew Casamayor, EDC Chair
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Work Smarter, Not Harder: Demystifying AI for Small Business
Host: Drew Vidaurrazaga, Owner & CEO, Vida Custom Designs
🕑: 10:25 AM - 10:45 AM
Stop Posting, Start Growing: Crafting a Social Media Brand That
Host: Roxana Miranda, Founder & President, Vellu Laser
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
AI Optimization (AIO): How to Make AI Talk About Your Business
Host: Thiago Ferreira, Founder and CEO, Elevate AI Consulting
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:35 AM
UNVEILING of THE 2026 BEST OF MIAMI LAKES FINALISTS
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Let Him Cook: Universal Recipes for Business Growth
Host: Mylo Gonzalez, Owner, NQC ‘No Quiero Cocinar’
🕑: 12:05 PM - 12:35 PM
Open Q&A Moderated by Romy Pego Remior, 2026 EDC Business
Host: EDC Bootcamp Chair, HiveWorks Business Solutions
🕑: 12:35 PM - 12:40 PM
Closing Remarks & Networking Kickoff
Host: Matthew Casamayor, EDC Chair
🕑: 01:00 PM
Networking Happy Hour at Chela's

Info: 15301 NW 67th Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33014