Gold Key-Matchmaker Grants

Increase your business’s reach with Gold Key/Matchmaker grants.

Gold Key/Matchmaker Grants

Eligible manufacturers and professional services providers can apply for a Gold Key/Matchmaker Grant to generate or increase export sales overseas.

The Gold Key/Matchmaker Grant serves as a market development tool for companies that are new or infrequent exporters by subsidizing the cost of meeting with pre-screened and pre-qualified buyers, agents, importers, and representatives with an interest in their products or services. The Gold Key Service is offered by the U.S. Commercial Service, while similar one-on-one business matchmakers can be conducted through select Enterprise Florida international offices or a pre-approved third-party such as an AmCham.

Gold Key/Matchmaker Services typically offer:

Customized market and industry briefings with qualified trade specialists.
Timely and relevant market research.
Appointments with prospective trade partners in key industry sectors.
Post-meeting debriefing with trade specialists and assistance in developing appropriate follow-up strategies.
Help with travel, accommodations, interpreter service, and clerical support.

Please contact your local EFI trade representative for more information and to receive the grant application.

Minimum Criteria

All grant applicants must meet the minimum grant qualifications found here.

Grant-Specific Criteria

1. Gold Key/Matchmaker Services must be provided by:

a. The U.S. Commercial Service.

b. An Enterprise Florida International Office.

c. An EFI-approved contractor for similar business matchmaker services. Applicant must receive prior approval from Enterprise Florida when using the services of a local in-country contractor.

2) Applicant MUST be at least one of the following:

a. New to export (never exported)

b. New to the market, or

c. An infrequent exporter to the market (1-50 export shipments per year)

Costs Covered

ONLY the cost of the matchmaker service will be covered. Expenses related to travel, accommodations, shipping/freight, personnel etc. do not qualify for reimbursement.

Reimbursement / Cost-Share Amount(s)

Application Documents

1. Proof of company registration with Florida Division of Corporations from www.sunbiz.org.

2. Confirmation of Gold Key/Matchmaker appointments.

3. Proof of payment.

Reimbursement Documents

1. An invoice billing EFI for amount specified in the Grant Approval email. Grant payments will only be issued via ACH.

2. Signed and dated IRS W-9 Form. W-9 must be dated within the last 24 months.

3. Completed Export Sales Report

Number of Grants Allowed

A company may receive a maximum of three trade grants each year between July 1 to June 30 (EFI’s fiscal year), subject to the limitations below:

Export Marketing Plan – One per lifetime

Website Localization Grant – Two per lifetime

International Registration Grant – One per fiscal year based on reimbursement date

Submission and Evaluation Process

Submission Process: Applicants must request from EFI an online Grant Application (“application”) and submit all required documentation at least two weeks prior to the start of the Gold Key/Matchmaker service. Grants must be approved prior to the first day of scheduled appointments or they will not be considered. No exceptions.

Evaluation Process: Enterprise Florida staff will review all applications and make a determination regarding the applicant’s eligibility and grant award amounts within ten (10) days of receipt of application.

Noncompliance

If the Grantee does not submit the required reimbursement documents within thirty (30) calendar days after the end of the Gold Key or matchmaking service, Enterprise Florida reserves the right to cancel the grant award without reimbursement.

If Enterprise Florida learns that any of the information provided on the application is false, Enterprise Florida has the right to cancel the reimbursement if not already paid, or require repayment of funds already disbursed.