For growing breweries, wineries, and distilleries, international trade can present intriguing opportunities to grow revenue. The State of Florida recognizes that, and established the country’s first public-private partnership to support such efforts.

The following information is reproduced from that public-private partnership, Enterprise Florida. Enterprise Florida offers a meaningful trade grants program to Florida small and medium-sized manufacturers and services providers. These grants are designed to help new-to-export companies start doing business overseas and to assist experienced exporters seeking to diversify their sales.

TARGET SECTOR TRADE SHOW GRANTS

Enterprise Florida offers grants to help Florida companies grow their export sales through overseas international trade shows. Eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers and professional services providers can apply for a Target Sector Trade Show Grant to help offset trade show booth costs and enable them to exhibit in trade shows that Enterprise Florida participates in, as well as other approved trade shows and exhibitions. Target Sector Trade Show Grants reimburse 75% (up to $7,500) or 100% (up to $10,000) of the cost of a trade show booth depending on company size and target market.

GOLD KEY/MATCHMAKER GRANTS

Eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers and professional services providers can apply for a Gold Key/Matchmaker Grant to help them generate or increase export sales overseas. Organized through the U.S. Commercial Service, the Gold Key Service arranges meetings between U.S. companies and prescreened and prequalified buyers, agents, importers, and representatives in foreign markets with an interest in your products or services. Similar one-on-one business matchmakers can also be conducted by pre-approved service providers. The Gold Key/Matchmaker Grant will reimburse qualified companies 100% of the Participation Fee for Enterprise Florida trade missions, or the full cost of a stand-alone Gold Key/Matchmaker service. Other options are available.

EXPORT MARKETING PLANS

Enterprise Florida, in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network and the U.S. Commercial Service, offers qualified Florida manufacturers and services providers the development of a customized Export Marketing Plan to identify overseas growth strategies for your company. Upon completion of the Export Marketing Plan, new-to-export or infrequent exporters can apply for a reimbursable Gold Key/Matchmaker Grant, a Target Sector Trade Show Grant, or participate in an Enterprise Florida overseas trade mission. The cost to prepare an Export Marketing Plan is $4,000. Qualifying companies are eligible for a $3,500 grant, making the cost to your company $500.

FLORIDA ONLINE GLOBAL (Website Localization Grants)

Globalize your website by making it local – with fully customized websites in your target markets. Enterprise Florida has teamed up with IBT Online to bring you the Florida Online Global program to help Florida exporters expand their overseas presence quickly and dynamically. Two options give you the flexibility to choose either a Two-Market Expansion or Multi-Market Web Presence. Qualifying companies are eligible for an $8,000 grant to help offset the cost to your company.

To learn more about Enterprise Florida trade programs and services, please visit them online.

Please note that this page is made available by the law firm for educational purposes only, and that it is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Visiting this page does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm.