Florida Target Sector Trade Show Grants

SelectFlorida offers the Florida Target Sector Trade Show Grants to help Florida companies grow export sales through participation in overseas international trade shows. The program is positioned as part of Florida's export assistance resources and is intended to support small to medium-sized companies that are seeking to enter new global markets or expand existing international sales. The source emphasizes that companies with significant international portfolios can grow faster, be more profitable, and be less susceptible to domestic downturns. The grants are reimbursable and event-specific. SelectFlorida provides support for eligible manufacturers and select professional services providers in target sectors when they participate in qualifying international trade events. Eligible events are those on the SelectFlorida calendar where SelectFlorida is organizing a Florida Pavilion or Florida Section, or where SelectFlorida staff are actively recruiting for and attending the event. Allowable costs are tied to trade show participation, especially booth packages and other event registration purchases. Applicants must provide proof of event registration with itemized detail of the booth package and other purchases, as well as proof of deposit or full payment. If only partial payment is provided, the documentation must show at least a 25 percent deposit for the event, although deposits below 25 percent may be considered case by case by SelectFlorida. The application process is initiated by contacting the company's local trade representative for more information and to receive the grant application. Required application materials include proof of company registration with the Florida Division of Corporations from Sunbiz showing filing information, principal and mailing addresses, and active or inactive status; proof of event registration; proof of deposit or full payment; and a completed and signed IRS Form W-9 dated within the last 24 months. Reimbursement is available only after the event has been completed and all required documentation has been received. Required reimbursement materials include an Export Sales Report if not already collected by the Trade Manager, an invoice billing SelectFlorida for the approved grant award amount, proof of full payment and the final event invoice if not previously provided, and a completed and signed IRS Form W-9 if not already submitted. Invoices must be made billable to SelectFlorida at 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 610, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. All reimbursement documents must be received no later than 30 days after the last day of the event. Documents submitted after that deadline may result in non-payment and cancellation of the grant award. Grant award amounts vary by trade event, are available on a first come first served basis, and are subject to availability of grant funding. Veteran-owned businesses and businesses operating in rural counties may be eligible for a supplemental grant award. The listed phone contact is 305-808-3660, and the fax number is 305-808-3586.

Contact your local trade representative to receive the application; prepare Sunbiz registration proof before applying; ensure any partial payment documentation shows at least a 25 percent deposit unless SelectFlorida grants a case-by-case exception; submit all reimbursement documents no later than 30 days after the last day of the event