Limited Opportunity to Get a $2,500 Grant for Export Assistance

In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Enterprise Florida, Inc. and the U.S. Commercial Service, the Florida SBDC Network is excited to announce a scholarship to assist qualified manufacturing small businesses in Florida who are "new-to-export" identify growth strategies through the development of customized Export Marketing Plans.

For more information, and details on:

• Why Export,
• The Process,
• Qualifications,
• Cost to Qualifying Company,
• Overseas Matchmaking,
• and more...

Click the link below for full documentation.
Grant for Export Assistance

Hospitalar 2012

São Paulo, Brazil
May 22-25, 2012

JOIN FLORIDA AT HOSPITALAR 2012! Hospitalar is the most important health fair in Brazil and Latin America. The show features products ranging from the most sophisticated state of- the-art medical technology to disposables. Almost 90,000 professional visitors and over 1,250 exhibitors are anticipated at this year’s show.

Brazil is the largest economy in South America with the highest potential in the healthcare market. Brazil has over 6,400 hospitals and 15,000 clinics and healthcare establishments. The continued expansion of the Brazilian private health care sector, particularly in the HMO sector, should create new opportunities for U.S. exporters, particularly for more advanced medical equipment, disposables, diagnostic devices, implants and components.

Deadline to register is March 2, 2012

 
Target Sector Trade Grants covering 50% of the booth fee are available
for this event through an initiative with the SBA!

For further information, please contact:
Michael Schiffhauer
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
mschiffhauer@eflorida.com

2012 Farnborough Air Show

Governor Rick Scott extends a special invitation to all Florida Aviation and Aerospace companies to join him at the

 2012 Farnborough Air Show!

  
Farnborough, Hampshire, UK
July 9-15, 2012

Once again, Farnborough International 2012 will be one of the industry’s largest, most internationally attended aerospace events in the world. Farnborough International is the world renowned showcase for aerospace equipment and technology.  As such, it provides the perfect venue for the world’s civil and military aerospace suppliers and their customers to meet, discuss, finalize, and announce their business transactions.  It is a recognized business and trade environment, and a key event for enhancing and improving your business performance.

Enterprise Florida encourages you to join Florida’s Pavilion, as we return to Farnborough for the 10th time since 1994!!  Farnborough 2010 was a spectacular success for Florida’s Aviation/ Aerospace / Defense Community and Economic Development Network. In 2010, the show hosted 1,300 exhibitors from 38 countries.  There were over 120,000 trade visitors during the five trade days. In addition, 70 foreign delegations from 44 countries visited during the week.

Farnborough is expected to be a sellout! Space is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Grants covering 50% of booth fees are available through an
initiative with the U.S. Small Business Administration!

Enterprise Florida is offering reimbursable grants for qualified Florida manufacturers and professional services providers in select target sectors to exhibit in Enterprise Florida and other certified trade shows.  These grants will cover 50% of the turnkey booth fees to help offset some of the marketing costs of doing business overseas. 

Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S. Small Business Administration

For more information please contact:
Mr. Ken Cooksey
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
T 850.298.6632
F 850.294.8386
kcooksey@eflorida.com
www.eflorida.com

Export Sales Mission to Trinidad & Tobago

August 5-8, 2012
Port of Spain

Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll invites Florida companies to join her and Enterprise Florida on an Export Sales Mission to Trinidad & Tobago. The Lt. Governor will lead this export sales mission for Florida companies to the two-island nation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Known as the largest and strongest economy in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago has one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in the region which positions the country as a hub for U.S. business activities. Ranked as one of Florida’s top export destinations, exports to the country have continued to increase over the years. In 2011, Florida exports were $557.4 million with a 24.1 percent increase in total bilateral merchandise trade.
 
Florida’s superb international trade infrastructure and the business community’s experience and expertise in doing business in the Caribbean and Latin America, uniquely qualifies us as an ideal trading partner with Trinidad and Tobago!

The deadline to register is June 15, 2012

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Lorrie Belovich
Enterprise Florida Inc.
lbelovich@eflorida.com

Mr. Jay Sumners
Enterprise Florida Inc.
jsumners@eflorida.com

Cannes International Boat Show 2012

September 11-16, 2012
Cannes, France

The Cannes International Boat Show, Sept. 11-16, remains one of Europe’s leading in-water exhibitions. As the region’s first gathering of the season, the Cannes show brings together the key players in pleasure boating and international luxury yachting. Yacht owners or future buyers can take advantage of a unique opportunity offered at this show: the sea trials! The Cannes International Boat Show remains the only European show to offer large yacht sea-trials during the show making it an important “must attend” event for serious and elite buyers.

For the 4th consecutive year, Enterprise Florida has secured a limited amount of exhibition space in the main section of the show - in a high traffic, premier location adjacent to Sunseeker Yacht. This year, Cannes will conclude only three days before the Monaco Yacht show begins, offering a very cost effective opportunity to target the coveted European yachting audience.

Enterprise Florida is offering a 10% Early Bird Discount through April 10th off of a 9m2 turn-key booth package. Only three booths left remain!

The deadline to register is June 8, 2012

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Julie Balzano
Enterprise Florida Inc.
jbalzano@eflorida.com

Medica 2012

Join Enterprise Florida at the Premiere Global Life Sciences/Medical Trade Show!
 
This November 14–17, 2012, many of Florida's top medical companies will promote their goods and services from the Florida Pavilion for the 17th consecutive year.

MEDICA 2011 featured a record-breaking 4,571 exhibitors, two-thirds of them from abroad. The show attracted 134,500 visitors from nearly 64 countries; 40% were from countries other than Germany. In fact, with 434 exhibiting companies from the United States and 38 exhibiting companies from Florida, MEDICA continues to set records.

A particularly high percentage of visitors come from overseas markets such as Asia, Australia, North Africa, Latin America and, increasingly, from Arab countries. MEDICA visitors who attend the show are professionals there to make significant buying decisions.

 Registration Deadline is March 2, 2012

For further information, please contact:

Team Florida Trade Mission to Colombia

December 2-5, 2012
Bogota, Colombia  

Join Governor Rick Scott and Enterprise Florida on the Team Florida Trade Mission to Colombia! Colombia is the fifth-largest economy in Latin America with a population of approximately 45 million inhabitants. Over the last decade, improvements in security and political stability have fostered economic growth and a secure business climate. With 4% GDP growth in 2010 and an estimated 4.6 % growth in 2011, the Colombian market presents unbounded opportunities for Florida companies.

The October 2011 approval of the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia is expected to be a valuable tool for the significant promotion of trade between the two nations. Over 90 percent of U.S. Exports to Colombia will enter the country duty free or will see their tariffs phase out every year for the following ten years.
 
Colombia is the United States' fourth largest trading partner and is Florida’s second largest trading partner with over $9 billion in two-way trade in 2011. Colombia is among the top five destinations for Florida-origin products, amounting to nearly $3 billion in trade. The constant growth of the Colombian economy is expected to generate new export opportunities for Florida firms wanting to benefit from a strong open business climate and Florida’s traditionally close cultural and economic ties with Latin America.

For further information, please contact:
Mr. Ivan Barrios
Enterprise Florida Inc,
ibarrios@eflorida.com

Ms. Juliana Pena
Enterprise Florida Inc.
jpena@eflorida.com

Doing Business with the World Bank

May 18, 2012
Tampa, Florida
 

Please mark your calendar for the Doing Business with the World Bank Luncheon.  Enterprise Florida and our partners bring to you a luncheon to celebrate the official launch of Florida’s World Bank Private Sector Liaison Officer Program (PSLO). The keynote luncheon address will be offered by Mr. Ian H. Solomon, the United States Executive Director for the World Bank Group.  Florida is the strategic and economic center of Latin America and the Caribbean because of its geographic proximity, economic and political stability, and multicultural and multilingual workforce. Much of Latin America and the Caribbean are developing nations where the World Bank has lending programs in place. These attributes position Florida entities well for securing World Bank procurement opportunities.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Lorrie Belovich
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
lbelovich@eflorida.com

Ms. Kristian Jenkins
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
kjenkins@eflorida.com

Challenges and Opportunities in the Environmental Sector
for the Private Sector

May 21-24, 2012
Washington, D.C.

The World Bank Group, Private Sector Liaison Officers (PSLO) Network,  Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Caribbean Development Bank invite you to join us for a multi-country visit program focusing on environmental sector opportunities at the International Financial Institutions in Washington, DC.

This three-day meeting program is designed to provide an opportunity for initiating a dialogue with project officers responsible for current and pending environmental sector projects, and provide an understanding of requirements for engagement. Attendees will include consulting firms, individual consultants, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, design firms and producers, and developers and prospective sponsors of private sector projects from multiple countries.
 

Seventh Annual Latin America Conference

May 11, 2012
Coral Gables, Florida

The Center for Hemispheric Policy at the University of Miami will be hosting the Seventh Annual Latin America Conference.  This conference will feature a group of exceptional speakers who will analyze topics of relevance in the hemisphere, such as Latin America's economic and trade outlook in the global context, the political risk environment in the region, scenarios for upcoming presidential elections in Mexico and Venezuela, as well as the expectations for U.S. policy toward the region in an election year.

Exporters' Roundtable

May 23, 2012
Auburndale, Florida

This is your opportunity to meet companies like yours who are interested in expanding their sales into international markets. You may also network with the roundtable experts and members of the Florida District Export Council, SBDC, Department of Commerce, and Enterprise Florida for additional questions.

Business Development Mission to Bogota, Colombia

May 21-24, 2012
Bogota, Colombia

Join Miami-Dade County Economic Development & International Trade division as they host the Business Development Mission to Bogota, Colombia. Colombia offers several business opportunities for Florida companies as the fifth largest economy in Latin America and the 2nd largest trading partner to South Florida.

33rd Hemispheric Congress and the Global Marketplace

May 29-June 1, 2012
Coral Gables, Florida

The Latin Chamber of Commerce of the U.S.A. (CAMACOL) brings to you the Hemispheric Congress of Latin Chambers of Commerce and Industry, a program which is unique in that it has an established infrastructure comprised of the presidents of the national chambers of commerce throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region, as well as Spain. Florida businesses can meet with 22 countries in four days.  As such, the Hemispheric Congress has enabled the development of linkages which have translated into the creation of jobs and revenue for our community and State. 

The Congress program includes interactive panels, networking events, luncheons and a trade show expo.  Speakers at the Congress have included 2 former U.S. Presidents, former Florida Governors, senior cabinet members, the Prime Minister of Spain, and heads of government from Latin America. As such, the Hemispheric Congress has enabled the development of linkages which have translated into the creation of jobs and revenue.

Greenfield Trade & Investment Mission to Libya and Tunisia

As front-line nations in the “Arab Spring,” Libya and Tunisia have seen sweeping changes in the past year. Both countries are in the throes of replacing decades of corruption and mismanagement with economic reform and sound governance. Trade and investment opportunities in these two “greenfield” economies are enormous. Both nations are on a fast-track to strengthen infrastructure, provide affordable housing, expand sustainable agriculture, maximize natural resources, and develop a wide range of investment opportunities – particularly in tourism. Florida companies are invited to visit these two key Greenfield economies that currently have tremendous opportunities for growth.  Companies will gain essential business insights and learn first-hand about major projects meet leading decision makers in the Governments of Libya and Tunisia and participate in business-to-business networking to boost the bottom line.

Costa Rica Tech Trade Mission

June 18-20, 2012
San Jose, Costa Rica

The Costa Rica Tech Trade Mission is an excellent opportunity to further the business development between the high technology companies of Central Florida and Costa Rica. American Embassy industry professionals will provide a commercial briefing, public affairs briefing and economic briefing as well as an overview of doing business in Costa Rica on day one to all participating high tech firms of Central Florida.

The mission will also include three days (total) of intensive programs designed to introduce the participating delegates to your tech counterparts in Costa Rica, as well as other key government and industry dignitaries that may be helpful in your business development objectives.

35th Annual Japan- U.S. Southeast Association Joint Meeting

September 13-15, 2012
Tokyo, Japan

This year's program will include remarks and presentations by top business and government leaders, representing the most significant aspects of the economic relationship as well as ties of tourism, education, culture and friendship between Japan and the seven Southeast U.S. member states. Additionally, the respective governors of each of the member states, and senior Japanese business and government leaders and special guest speakers are expected to participate. The meeting will provide exciting networking opportunities for all of the 400+ participating delegates to renew old friendships and establish new ones, including a golf tournament, sightseeing tours, receptions, meals and entertainment. Conference participation is limited to only 70 delegates per state to maximize networking opportunities. This will provide an exclusive opportunity for our delegates to establish business relationships with leading Japanese corporations.

Expo USA 360

October 3-5, 2012
Guayaquil, Ecuador
 

Expo USA 360 is a multi-sector commercial event that will bring together people from Ecuador interested in doing business with American companies. This expo is intended to provide an opportunity for small, medium and large companies to develop, expand or gain customer loyalty in the United States. A tradeshow will be available for U.S. and Ecuadoran companies to exhibit new products and opportunities.

Expo Milano 2015

May 1-October 31, 2015
Milan, Italy

This is a call to Florida companies with an interest in developing prominent technologies and services that can be useful at Expo Milano 2015. Expo Milano 2015 is a global cultural, educational and scientific venue bringing together countries, organizations, corporations and citizens to explore and contribute to the progress of one of the world’s most important challenges: Sustainable feeding and development. Expo Milano 2015 will be the largest worldwide event ever to be organized to address issues related to the global food challenge, nutrition and the culture of food. The expo will feature world debates, conventions and policy meetings, international concerts, cultural events and food festivals.

Internationalize and Optimize your Website to Generate Export Sales – Archived Webinar

Would you like to reach a worldwide audience and generate more orders from your website?   Did you know that 96% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States?  The U.S. Commercial Service in West Virginia and the West Virginia Development Office, in cooperation with Direct Online Marketing and Terradon Communications Group, presented a webinar to help you improve your website design for a global audience and increase your visibility in search engines and social media to generate trade leads and increase your export sales.  Participants companies will receive the recording, presentations and speakers contact information.

This is an archived webinar and it is available on an ongoing basis. The cost is $45 per company and it lasts for 1 hour and 14 minutes. For more information contact: Diego Gattesco. 

NAFTA Webinar Series

Have you thought about taking advantage of NAFTA? This webinar series includes 9 webinars that discuss the many aspects of NAFTA. Join us for just one or take advantage of them all, but please do join us.  
If you are not familiar with NATFA at all, you may also want to consider joining us on May 16 for a webinar from the Basic Guide to Exporting: Taking Advantage of NAFTA.

Webinar 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the Importer, Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder
June 13, 2012; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will learn how the importer, customs broker and freight forwarder can efficiently and effectively facilitate the export of your products to Mexico and Canada.  You will understand the benefits of NAFTA as well as the NAFTA rules and regulations when trading with Canada and Mexico.  You will be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 2

Webinar 3: The Importance of the HS Number, Preference Criteria, NAFTA Certificate of Origin and Essential Documentation for Exporting to Mexico
July 11, 2012; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will understand how to select a Harmonized System Number / Schedule B Number, Preference Criteria as well as how to fill out a NAFTA Certificate of Origin and other documentation.  You will also learn how to comply with the rules of NAFTA.  You will be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 3

Webinar 4: Solutions Scenarios: Inbound Warehouses, Sending Samples to Mexico, Trading Companies
September 12, 2012; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will understand the benefits of inbound warehouses and trading companies under NAFTA; how to send samples to Mexico without any problems and how to arrive at solutions when exporting to Mexico.  You will also be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 4

Webinar 5: Compliance, Standards and Regulations to Exporting Goods to Mexico
October 10, 2012; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will understand how to comply with NAFTA's standards and regulations when exporting goods to Mexico as well as the proper documentation and authorization needed at Mexican Customs.  You will also be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 5

Webinar 6: Complying with Value Declaration Requirements
November 14, 2012; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will learn about the value declaration requirements for Mexican Customs and understand the impact on U.S. exporters from experts at the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (SAT) and Aduanas, CAAAREM (Mexican Customs Association).  You will also be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 6

Webinar 7: How to Set Up Agents or Distributors in Mexico, Rules in Having a Direct Employee Present and Tax Implications
December 12, 2012; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will learn how to set up agents, distributors and direct employees in Mexico and the tax implications that might occur in this process.  You will be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 7

Webinar 8: How to Handle Problems with Mexican Customs, Distributor and Agent Agreements
January 9, 2013; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will learn how to handle potential problems with Mexican Customs and understand the possible technical violations and additional duties your shipment might incur at the border.  You will also learn how Mexican Customs can hold up your shipment.  You will be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 8

Webinar 9: NAFTA Labeling Requirements for Exported Goods
February 6, 2013; 2 - 3 p.m. EDT
Cost:  $25
You will understand the NAFTA labeling requirements when exporting your goods and the importance of proper labeling when exporting to Mexico and Canada.  You will be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.  For more information, please contact Linda Abbruzzese.
Register for Webinar 9

Export Medical Technology to Mexico

As one of the world’s largest and fastest growing Medical Technology markets, Mexico represents big export opportunities for high technology equipment and devices and automation solutions for control and supervision of operations. Advances in regulatory reform along with hospital facility upgrades are also making Mexico an attractive market for U.S. firms. Join us for this webinar as we listen to Mexico’s Coordinator of Advisers to the Under Secretary of Health for Integration and Development, Mexican healthcare industry experts, and US firms describe how this dynamic market is becoming one of the most important export markets for US healthcare technology firms. Also, learn more about the upcoming Healthcare Technology, Policy & Trade Mission May 14-15, 2012 in Mexico City.

Trade Winds Asia
Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia
May 14 – 22, 2012

As an official U.S. Department of Commerce conference and multi-sector trade mission, the Trade Winds Forum is your company’s connection to business opportunities in Asia! Singapore, an ideal launching point for expansion throughout the region, will be the host city for Trade Winds Asia.
Participate in a focused business development conference highlighting opportunities and challenges in this extremely dynamic region. Access high visibility business networking events with leading industry and government officials. Meet one-on-one with U.S. Commercial Service (CS) Senior Commercial Officers from the U.S. Embassies and Consulates of 14 countries in Asia for guidance on trade leads and market entry strategies. Customize your itinerary – Pre-screened business-to-business meetings with companies in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
For more information contact tradewindsasia@trade.gov or by phone Shannon Christenbury 704-333-4886 ext 225.

Smart Grid Trade Mission to the UK

Are you looking for business opportunities in smart grids?
Join our Smart Grid Trade Mission to the UK
London, UK, October 15 - 17, 2012

UK public and private organizations are investing tens of billions of dollars to upgrade the grid, creating significant business opportunities for companies that have developed products, services or technologies related to smart grids.
The Smart Grid Trade Mission to the UK will help representatives of U.S. companies to identify profitable opportunities in the UK smart grid and electricity markets.  As such, the Mission will focus on assisting U.S. companies in obtaining market information, establishing business and government contacts (including utilities, distribution network operators and technology providers), solidifying business strategies, and/or advancing specific projects.

2013 International Buyer Program Application Period Now Open!

The Commercial Service is now accepting applications for the International Buyer Program for trade events taking place between January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The International Buyer Program was established to bring international buyers together with U.S. firms by promoting leading U.S. trade shows in industries with high export potential.  The International Buyer Program emphasizes cooperation between the DOC and trade show organizers to benefit U.S. firms exhibiting at selected events and provides practical, hands-on assistance such as export counseling and market analysis to U.S. companies interested in exporting.  The assistance provided to show organizers includes worldwide overseas promotion of selected shows to potential international buyers, end-users, representatives and distributors.  The worldwide promotion is executed through the offices of the DOC U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (hereinafter referred to as the Commercial Service) in more than 76 countries representing the United States’ major trading partners, and also in U.S. Embassies in countries where the Commercial Service does not maintain offices. 

Details regarding the application, eligibility, participation requirements, and selection process are available on http://www.export.gov/IBP or you may contact the IBP at 2013IBP@trade.gov for an application package. The deadline for applying to the International Buyer Program for 2013 events is Monday, October 31, 2011. 

To be considered for the 2013 IBP, applicants need only submit a completed application form by October 31, 2011. There is no fee to apply. However, a participation fee will be required if accepted into the program. The IBP expects to issue the results of this process by April 2012.

Should the applicant be accepted into the program, a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) along with applicable program fee will be required within 45 days of the written notification of acceptance into the 2013 IBP. A sample MOA is available for reference purposes only. The MOA outlines the terms of participation that accepted applicants must commit to if accepted into the program. The Federal Register Notice sets forth objectives, procedures and application review criteria associated with support for domestic trade shows by the IBP.

8th. Edition of the Costa Rica Technology Insight

The Costa Rican Trade Office, will be hosting the 8th CRTI event to be held in San Jose, C.R., on June 19th- 20th, 2012, and would like to invite Florida IT Companies to attend this event. CRTI  is a world-class IT event with more than 200 participants from different countries and regions such as Panamá, Central America, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Chile, Mexico, United States, Canada, Europe and India. This is a match-making event based on pre-established one-on-one meetings and focuses on 3 main areas: networking, business meetings and conferences.

Benefits for foreign companies
There is no registration costs required for international companies interested in doing business in Costa Rica.  Also, we offer for one representative of each company the following benefits:

•           Hotel accommodation for up to three nights (June 18th. to 20th., 2012).
•           Breakfast and lunch
•           Business meetings with Costa Rican IT providers (customized agenda with Costa Rican counterparts)
•           Access to conferences with international keynote speakers
•           Networking activities with counterparts from around the world.

For Further information:
Jorge Zamora
Phone: (786) 477-5750
miami@procomer.com

Click on the links to view the below elements:
Flyer
Brochure
Agenda

Enterprise Florida Awarded SBA
Grant to Increase State’s Exporting

     ORLANDO, FL (October 6, 2011) – Enterprise Florida has been awarded a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant for $780,786 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)  to help boost export activity during the next year.

Enterprise Florida’s grant is one of many totaling $30 million that the SBA has presented to states, territories and Washington, D.C. as a result of the 2010 Small Business Jobs Act’s State Trade and Export Promotion Program.

“I am on board with the President’s vision that U.S. companies and workers can double U.S. goods and services exports during the next five years, which would help support good, high paying jobs in manufacturing, services, and in agriculture,”  says the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Regional Administrator Cassius Butts.  “We are happy to be working with partners, such as Enterprise Florida and other partners across the United States to increase both the number of exporters and the number of countries they ship to.  The Step Grant exemplifies the dedication that Florida has to spurring economic growth and assisting entrepreneurs to thrive from the international market.”

In using its grant toward that purpose, Enterprise Florida has goals that include helping the state’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) diversify their target markets, and prompting infrequent and single-market exporters to expand their overseas trade activity. 

“Furthermore, we will work to engage new SMEs, particularly manufacturers, in exporting,” emphasizes Manny Mencía, senior vice president of Enterprise Florida’s international trade division.  “The grant will enable more SMEs to take advantage of overseas tradeshows and missions because we will be able to provide them with funding to offset their costs.”

Enterprise Florida plans to fulfill these goals through following actions:

1. Conduct trade missions and tradeshows in countries representing key trade markets.
2. Provide grants to SMEs for participation in overseas tradeshows.  “This strategy will help our exporters reach new markets and increase activity among existing infrequent exporters,” Mencía explains. 
3. Partner with the SBA’s Florida Small Business Development Center Network to offer customized global marketing plans that will be tailored to the SME’s products, strengths and capabilities.  Once a marketing plan is complete, Enterprise Florida will provide the company with a two-day “Gold Key,” allowing the SME to focus on a local market by participating in a standalone Gold Key show. 

More information about Florida’s initiatives can be accessed at: http://www.eflorida.com/download/SBA_STEP_Grant_Summary.pdf.

*                       *                       *

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (www.eflorida.com) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Orlando, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy and create better paying jobs for its citizens by supporting, attracting and helping to create globally competitive businesses in innovative, high-growth industries. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

Enterprise Florida Media Contact: 
Stuart W. Doyle 407.956.5689
sdoyle@eflorida.com

Free Trade Agreements Passed By Congress
Present Opportunities for Job Creation

Florida’s once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform its economy and become a global hub for trade took a major step forward yesterday when Congress passed the Colombia, Panama and South Korea Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
An active and vocal advocate for the passage of the three FTAs, the Florida Chamber believes the ratification of these agreements:

• Plays a leading role in doubling Florida-origin exports within five years,
• Creating more than 20,000 new jobs, and
• Generating more than $1.5 billion in international trade opportunities for Florida.

• Florida’s geographic location in the fastest growing U.S. business and consumer market at the crossroads of growing north-south and east-west trade lanes,
• The widening of the Panama Canal, and
• The growth in Latin American and Caribbean markets will re-align global trade lanes and increase flows through Florida in the coming decades.

• Several trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional leaders to urge their support,
• Creating several Support Free Trade Coalitions,
• Letters to Florida’s Congressional Delegation,
• A letter to president Obama, signed by nearly 50 Florida business leaders who attended the Florida Chamber’s 2011 International Days,
• Grassroots communications with the Florida Chamber’s strong coalition of local chambers of commerce, business associates, and members, and
• Weekly communications with leading Florida businesses that strongly support one or more of the FTAs.

• HB 283 – a bill removing duplicative seaport security regulations that mirror federal security regulations, and
• HB 879 – a measure adding trade and logistics to Florida’s Qualified Targeted Industries list.

 David Hart, Frank Ryll and Lee Sandler with members of the International Business Committee
 in Washington, D.C. to discuss the Free Trade Agreements with Senator Marco Rubio.