SBA to host export conference for Florida small businesses

8/30/2011

Florida area small businesses interested in expanding their exporting operations can attend the U.S. Small Business Administration's latest conference this fall in Tampa, Florida.

On September 14, the SBA's Office of International Trade will host its Export Matchmaker Trade Fair and Conference in conjunction with the Florida District Export Council, the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service. The conference will take place throughout the day at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore.

Topics will include international quality standards, sourcing export commercial funding and market research, in addition to more region-specific workshops. Registrants will also have the chance to network with like-minded professionals during the event lunch, and presenters will range from industry experts, businesses with extensive export experience and representatives from the hosting organizations.

"One of President Obama’s goals in the National Export Initiative is to double U.S. exports in five years," noted Karen Mills, SBA Administrator. "In these challenging economic times, and with 96 percent of the world’s population living outside the U.S., it just makes sense for Florida’s small businesses to export."

Florida is in close proximity to more foreign markets than most other states, and area small businesses can take advantage of exporting possibilities by learning the ropes at the SBA conference.