By Vanessa Misoon / Guest Contributor
North Miami’s tech ecosystem is getting a powerful boost as Lightship Foundation returns to the city in partnership with NoMi Tech for a full-day activation designed to elevate and connect local entrepreneurs.
Presented by Lightship Foundation, Black Professionals Network (BPN), and the City of North Miami, this event builds on a successful 2024 collaboration that introduced Lightship Bootcamp to North Miami founders. This next chapter reflects a long-term commitment to creating pathways for innovation, funding, and sustainable growth within the community.
The upcoming NoMi Tech x Black Tech Week activation will take place on Thursday, April 30th at Black Box Media Miami, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem builders from across South Florida. Designed to both inspire and equip, the event offers a full day of programming centered on practical insights, meaningful connections, and real opportunities to grow.
The experience will feature a mix of fireside conversations, panels, and hands-on workshops. A standout moment will be the fireside chat, Billion Dollar Lessons: A Founder and Investor Sit Down, featuring Songe LaRon, Co-Founder & CEO of Squire Technologies, and Chris Adamo, Founding Partner of Flamingo Capital.
Additional programming includes conversations with local leaders navigating Miami’s evolving tech landscape, along with tactical sessions on building MVPs and understanding funding pathways — from bootstrapping to venture capital. A curated local business expo will showcase North Miami founders, offering visibility and access to new customers and collaborators.
The day will close with a signature Black Tech Week-style meetup and reception designed for intentional networking. Whether building, supporting, or funding, attendees are encouraged to connect and move the ecosystem forward together.
For the City of North Miami, where more than 60% of residents identify as Black, initiatives like NoMi Tech play a critical role in economic development — expanding access to high-growth industries and creating pathways for local talent. Lightship’s return reinforces that momentum, pairing national reach with hyper-local investment.
“Partnerships like this are about more than a single event,” said Raquel Robinson, Executive Director of Lightship Foundation. “They’re about building infrastructure — consistent programming, access to capital, and a clear pipeline for founders to grow. We are thrilled to be returning to North Miami with the kind of support that enriches their growing ecosystem.”
This activation also marks Lightship Foundation’s return to the South Florida market, with plans to expand offerings through continued Lightship Bootcamps, Black Tech Weekends, and potential micro-grants for early-stage entrepreneurs.
“We’re excited for the return of Lightship Foundation to North Miami,” said Kenasha Paul, Founder and CEO of Black Professionals Network, “as they bring dedicated programming that strengthens the pipeline of investable businesses and creates leadership pathways in high-growth industries.”
As Miami continues to solidify its reputation as a global tech hub, North Miami is carving out its own lane — one rooted in culture, community, and opportunity.
“The City of North Miami is proud to welcome Lightship Foundation back during our centennial year for a full day of impactful programming that continues to elevate our local innovation ecosystem,” said John R. Lorfils, MBA, FRA-RA, Senior Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director. “As we celebrate 100 years of progress, we are equally focused on building the next century by positioning North Miami as a thriving tech hub and developing a strong and inclusive talent pipeline, connecting founders to capital, and creating the environment necessary for startups to scale into companies worth investing in.”
For founders and innovators across South Florida, this event is an invitation to build what’s next.
Vanessa Misoon is a strategic communications leader in the tech space, helping entrepreneurs clarify and communicate their brand message while translating complex ideas into compelling narratives that drive growth and influence.
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Refresh Miami welcomes locally relevant guest contributions. Please send your idea for a guest post to Nancy Dahlberg at [email protected].
