The Florida International Stimulus Program was launched by Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Enterprise Florida to help accelerate the state’s economy by strengthening international trade and investment. Over one million jobs in the state are supported by exports of goods and services and employment by foreign-owned companies. To ensure that Florida businesses and communities have the tools they need to remain competitive globally, these four initiatives are designed to increase international trade activity for Florida exporters and generate potential foreign investment leads for the state’s communities.

Florida First Sourcing Program
Enterprise Florida will increase business interaction among Florida companies by helping Florida exporters identify in-state suppliers for their export needs. A first for Florida, the program will promote in-state business by encouraging Florida trading companies and purchasing agents to buy Florida products rather than purchasing from other states to fill their export orders. Enterprise Florida will use its proven trade leads program and staff resources to administer the program.

Target Sector Trade Grants
Target Sector Trade Grants will be awarded to eligible small and medium-sized companies on a reimbursable basis to enable them to participate in Enterprise Florida trade shows and select U.S. certified trade exhibitions in target sectors. Eligible recipients include manufacturers, R&D companies, and technology services providers in targeted industries, including: aviation/aerospace; clean energy; financial & professional services; homeland security & defense; information technology; life sciences; and targeted manufacturing, including the boating/marine sector.

In addition to Target Sector Trade Grants, Enterprise Florida offers a variety of export programs and services  to Florida companies through its network of trade offices around the state.

Florida International Development Network Training
Enterprise Florida provides customized training on international trade and business development practices to economic development organizations serving small and mid-sized communities around the state. By enhancing their international development capacity, economic development organizations will be able to better support local companies engaged in international business and more effectively attract foreign direct investment to their regions.


Florida First Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Initiative
Governor Crist and Enterprise Florida are working with leading business organizations and associations across the state to identify foreign direct investment leads with the greatest job-creation potential. Senior executives are being asked to help promote Florida as a business location to companies overseas, and refer investment leads to Enterprise Florida. To expedite the process, Enterprise Florida has established a telephone hotline and email address so Florida senior business executives can refer these leads directly to an international development specialist.

Enterprise Florida can show companies why they should consider investing in the state, and the many international advantages of doing business here.