MIAMI – In June of this year, the Miami Marlins and CITY Furniture launched the Small Business Venture Program, with the announcement of the renewal of their annual partnership. After witnessing the devastating effects of COVID-19 on the local community, both organizations recognized the need to support local business throughout south Florida.

The Small Business Venture Program identifies deserving businesses and provides recognition and exposure through in-ballpark and game telecasts, along with a $2,500 grant on behalf of CITY Furniture to address their largest needs and support ongoing operations. Knowing the value and impact of key advertising, each organization will be recognized with signage behind home plate for a four-game span, and an in-game interview on the Marlins Radio Network driven by AutoNation.

CITY Furniture and the Marlins proudly support El Cristo, Heritage Art Galleries, and Jaxson Maximus, the three small businesses selected to be part of the program. Each of the organizations will receive their grant from CITY Furniture and will be spotlighted during the month of September.

El Cristo

Opened in 1972, El Cristo is a Latinx owned and operated Cuban restaurant located in Little Havana. Their team, composed of 16 Latinx individuals, has felt the continuous effects of COVID-19 in Miami where a slower than usual tourism market, coupled with labor shortages have created extremely challenging circumstances for the independent restaurant. The funds from the Small Business Venture Program allowed them to invest in additional marketing initiatives to drive business and cover payroll expenses to keep their team employed.

Heritage Art Galleries

Family owned and operated, Heritage Art Galleries is deeply committed to furthering the positive impact of art in their community. With mandatory lockdowns throughout the pandemic, the family experienced an entire loss of income from their sole revenue source. Despite their challenges, they were successful in introducing new services including remote photo printing custom framing, which have helped on their road to recovery and expansion into a new customer base.

Jaxson Maximus

A men’s one-stop-shop in the heart of Brickell, Jaxson Maximus offers custom suiting, grooming services, and alterations. Just as the business was off to a successful start, they were forced to close down due to COVID-19. Taking advantage of the work-from-home trends, the father-daughter duo were able to pivot and develop a custom athleisure brand to satisfy their clients that were no longer wearing suits everyday.

President of CITY Furniture, Andrew Koenig, adds “We’re always inspired by the ingenuity and toughness of the local business owners within our community. This is an amazing initiative, and one that we’re extremely proud to be a part of.”

CITY Furniture is committed to giving back 5% of annual profits through their 5% Giving Pledge, their way of making an impact, and demonstrating a commitment to the community all year long. CITY’s participation in the Small Business Venture Program distinguishes them as the Official Furniture and Mattress Provider of the Miami Marlins, and the exclusive sponsor of Marlins batting practice at loanDepot Park. The partnership unites two organizations with a shared commitment to providing first-class experiences at an incredible value.