International trade specialist from FSBDC at UWF travels to Mexico to expand opportunities for clients

Jun. 17, 2016

Julia Montgomery, international trade specialist for the Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida, recently traveled to Mexico City as part of a trade mission sponsored by Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service.

Montgomery was one of more than 90 participants from various Florida companies making the trip to deepen the economic relationship between the two nations. During her visit, she met with Mexican business leaders, government officials, explored trade and investment opportunities, and renewed common ties between Mexico and Florida.

“The visit confirmed my thinking that our neighbors are willing and able to partner with small businesses and provide a thriving consumer base to which Florida-based companies can supply products and services,” Montgomery said. “Mexico’s close proximity and strong interest in U.S. products, not to mention the presence of a trade agreement, makes it a favorable choice for exports from Florida.”

Trade missions sponsored by Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service serve to develop effective strategies and expand partnerships for accessing and doing business in a foreign country. The participating companies represented various industries, including manufacturing, information technology, building and construction, health products and services, supply chain logistics, and aerospace.

During trips like these, consultants like Montgomery receive hands-on experience with business negotiations between Floridian and Mexican businesses. She and other participants also networked with representatives from Mexico, where they received first-hand knowledge of common Mexican business practices and regulatory agencies.

“We are making strides in assisting Florida businesses who are interested in exporting,” said Kelly Massey, regional director of FSBDC at UWF. “With Julia’s recent trade mission and her expertise, we can provide services like export readiness, export marketing plans, export finance considerations, export logistics, export licensing, and other programs and services available to Florida businesses.

“With Julia’s assistance, more area businesses have an opportunity to successfully export their products and services.”

For more information about FSBDC at UWF, visit uwf.edu/sbdc.