Florida Gulf Coast University's SBDC was the host site for a visiting delegation from Mexico. Included in the delegation were representatives from two different groups that offer assistance to Mexican small businesses, NAFIN (Nacional Financiera) and the Secretaria De Economia. Prior to visiting SW Florida, the delegation spent approximately four days in Washington, D.C. where they were briefed on technical and policy information of the programs of interest to them, including SBDC, SCORE, government contracting, Women Business Ownership, Disaster Recovery and SBIC finance programs.
In Fort Myers they met with the local SBDC team, the State Director of the FSBDC Network Mr. Jerry Cartwright, the Dean of our College of Business, Dr. Richard Pegnetter, and various community representatives. On Monday February 24th, presentations and a panel discussion were conducted that included representatives from the Offices of Economic Development from Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties.
An additional benefit for the delegation to see was the partnering of the SBDC with other economic development organizations and various groups all working together delivering programs that benefit local small businesses. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a special function Monday evening, introducing their members to the visiting delegation. A luncheon hosted by FGCU President William Merwin was held on Tuesday in the VIP room at Alico Arena. The Mexican delegation had an opportunity to meet and discuss with FGCU College of Business Chairs and faculty members who work with students and clients on specific business and international related projects and how that environment brings value-added to economic development within the region.
From the response and reaction from the Mexican officials the SBDC was able to successfully demonstrate its best practices and effective ways to reach and educate the small business community and students through strategic partnerships and critical linkage with Florida Gulf Coast University.
