A new program hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center is helping local farmers and producers to maximize their growth potential through export sales!
This program provides a scholarship to qualified recipients, which facilities the development of a uniquely customized Agribusiness Export Marketing Plan. These plans assist “new-to-export” and “currently exporting” growers and value-added producers in the identification of overseas growth strategies, as well as address target markets with sales potential. Other items discussed in the plan include market entry strategy, a competitive analysis, and an action plan for implementing items in the plan.
On previous plans, the Florida SBDC has worked with David Dinkins, an extension agent for IFAS (the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences). Mr. Dinkins describes this program as a tool that can help Floridian farmers diversify markets, a major objective for many Floridian farmers. “We have lots of support via the Extension Agents at IFAS, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Florida SBDC”, Mr. Dinkins says. “These export plans have been a great experience for everyone involved, and the farmers and value-added producers have been very happy with the final product. We are very excited about the potential that this pilot program has for our Floridian agricultural producers, and you can’t beat the quality of the service that the Florida SBDC provides, or the $250 price tag.”
The application process is relatively simple. The link to apply is http://floridasbdc.org/services/agribusiness-export-marketing-plan-services/. Once qualified you will meet with a Florida SBDC Certified Global Business Professional to conduct a confidential, in-depth business assessment. The Specialist will prepare and provide your company with a customized Agribusiness Export Marketing Plan.
The qualifications for this program are:
-Florida farmers and value-added food producers only – food producers must source 51% of the food product from Florida
-Products must be produced in the state of Florida and must be provided from a Florida location
-New to export farmers/producers or current exporters looking to expand into new international markets
-Minimum of three years in business
-$500,000 minimum in annual sales
Click to download the Agribuisness Export Marketing Overview Sheet (PDF)
For More Information
Call 1.800.450.4624
APPLY ONLINE at http://floridasbdc.org/services/agribusiness-export-marketing-planservices/
Deadline to apply is November 15, 2017
