Following the recent announcement of its new Virtual Business Matchmaking program, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is launching another resource to help Florida small and medium-sized companies safely build their international business connections. The Virtual Trade Shows Grant Program will allow companies to identify international clients and generate new export opportunities.
“The Virtual Trade Show Grants provide another opportunity to assist Florida companies as they reopen and begin to operate in this new normal,” said Jamal Sowell, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. “As more and more international trade shows switch to an online platform, Florida companies can continue to make global connections and grow their businesses here at home.”
As a result of global market disruptions and technological innovations, traditional international trade shows are being temporarily replaced by virtual events to promote worldwide business opportunities.
Virtual international trade shows provide a low-cost alternative to traditional trade events. In many cases, participating companies can select a pre-designed or custom exhibit booth in a 3D virtual format, upload digital marketing and promotional materials, and connect with trade show visitors through web-based applications.
Through the Virtual Trade Shows Grant Program, Florida companies can select trade shows in markets of interest and apply to receive a reimbursable trade grant to cover the cost of the event, up to $2,500.
For more information about the new resource, including terms and conditions, visit the EFI’s Virtual Trade Show Grant Program site or contact your local EFI Regional Trade Manager.
As the world’s principal commercial gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, Florida is a global trade hub. Goods valued at $153.6 billion flowed through Florida’s airports and seaports in 2019. The state is also a major producer of high-value products for the aviation, telecommunications, and medical devices sectors, and is the 7th largest export state in the U.S. with Florida-origin exports of $56 billion.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention; small business growth through international trade and exporting programs; promotion of sporting events; promotion and protection of Florida’s military bases; and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.
