Virtual Business Matchmaking Grants

Trade grants for Virtual Business Matchmaking help Florida companies expand globally without overseas travel.

I. VIRTUAL BUSINESS MATCHMAKING – Enterprise Florida International Offices

Virtual Business Matchmaking (VBM) includes virtual introductions via teleconference or videoconference with up to five interested agents, distributors, or partners in various given target markets who have been pre-screened and pre-qualified.

Advantages

YOU define ideal partner criteria
YOU pick desired meeting partners from a list of suitable, qualified companies resulting from a thorough distributor/agent/VAR search
No need to travel
Scheduling flexibility
Translation service included if desired

Results

The VBM delivers virtual introductions via teleconference or video conference of five (5) interested agents, distributors or partners in your target markets who have been pre-screened and pre-qualified.

Market Availability
EFI’s international representatives in the markets/regions below are participating in the Virtual Business Matchmaking program:

Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania)
Brazil
Canada
Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom)
Israel
Japan
Mexico
Singapore
Taiwan

Costs
Costs range from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the market/region. Enterprise Florida’s trade grant will cover the full cost of the VBM on a reimbursement basis for eligible small businesses, making the service completely free.

II. U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE – International Partner Search Plus Virtual Introductions

Through Enterprise Florida’s partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, the grant covers similar services with the International Partner Search Plus Virtual Introductions. The U.S. Commercial Service program includes virtual introductions with up to five pre-qualified contacts, with options for additional introductions.

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

No additional grant-specific criteria.

Costs Covered

ONLY the cost of the matchmaker service will be covered.

Reimbursement / Cost-Share Amount(s)

Application Documents

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

2. Copy of signed proposal/agreement for services provided.

3. Copy of invoice from services provider.

4. 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, and not in the same fiscal year

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 Virtual Business 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 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.