Who We Are
MAJOR, founded in 2017 by social entrepreneur Leyanis Diaz, began as a mission to connect small businesses with customers and resources. Originally launched as an online marketplace, we quickly recognized that lasting economic impact requires more than visibility — it requires comprehensive support, strategic partnerships, and systems that drive measurable change.
Today, MAJOR operates as a hybrid economic and community development organization.
Our for-profit arm partners with nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations to deliver high-quality research, program design, evaluation, outreach, and consulting services.
Our nonprofit arm reinvests profits and secures grants to offer free business workshops, one-on-one advising, workforce training, and capital access to entrepreneurs and communities.
We exist to help partners design, implement, and evaluate initiatives that foster sustainable business growth, skilled workforces, and thriving communities.
Mission and Vision
The Mission
To help organizations build stronger businesses, create economic opportunity, and drive lasting community impact.
The Vision
A future where every community has access to the resources, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Our MAJOR Story
Since 2017, we have partnered with organizations and entrepreneurs to design, deliver, and evaluate programs that help businesses start, grow, and access greater opportunities. Today, our work also includes conducting research, managing outreach, providing workforce training, and expanding capital access — creating measurable impact for both our clients and the communities they serve.
The Start
2016-2017
Inspired by her upbringing in Miami and a desire to prevent more local businesses from closing their doors, Leyanis created MAJOR (formerly Major Marketplace) to help entrepreneurs access the tools and networks needed to succeed. Initially, the focus was an online marketplace — but the mission quickly evolved to address deeper systemic challenges.
Working & Winning
2017-2019
From winning the American Entrepreneurship Award to participating in nationally recognized accelerators such as Startup FIU, Babson WIN Lab, WBENC’s Student Entrepreneur Program, and NMSDC’s EYE Program, MAJOR expanded its reach. We partnered with hundreds of businesses, helping them strengthen operations, grow revenue, and access new opportunities.
The Refresh
2020 & Beyond
Today, MAJOR is more than a resource center — we are a strategic partner to organizations shaping the future of economic development. By combining contract-based services with community-focused programs, we sustain our own impact while helping others achieve theirs. Whether you’re a nonprofit building capacity, a government agency delivering community programs, or a corporation seeking to strengthen supplier pipelines, MAJOR is ready to help you plan, execute, and measure success.
