Program Aims to boost export activity

    Osceola County businesses with an eye on international markets should take a look at a new Enterprise Florida program aimed at boosting export activity. Enterprise Florida's goals for the $780,786 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration 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.
    "There are very few grants that will be given and I would love to see Osceola County businesses get as many slots as possible," said Commission Chairman John Quiñones. "The International export market is a very good opportunity for the diverse businesses in our community to develop new revenue sources."
Information about Florida's initiatives can be accessed at http://www.eflorida.com/download/SBA_STEP_Grant_Summary.pdf. The Enterprise Florida program contact is Michael Schiffhauer, vice president, International Trade & Development, who can be reached at (407) 956-5634 or mschiffhauer@eflorida.com. The program forms are also available on the Osceola County Economic Development Web Site, www.chooseosceola.com.