If you want to do business with State or Government entities, you want to register as a minority or woman-owned business with the State (e.g. of Florida).

If you want to do business with private companies, you want to register with the organizations that certify your business status with private enterprise. You will therefore want to certify your company with an organization like the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council or the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

How do you, as a new business owner, make your way through a stream of spam, advertising all types of certifications and “sure thing routes to riches”… if you pay up!

1) Understand what you do, and your value proposition. Why would anyone want your product and/or service? Read more »

The International Business Summit is an event that is in its fourth year.  It is not really a single event – it actually runs year round – but it is based on two concepts:

1) Differentness is an economic resource, once people learn how to leverage it.

Our local economy can benefit from the many valuable opportunities that lie in our diverse community. IBS provides an on-going networking and a face-to-face forum for strengthening understanding between different demographics. This can fast-track entrepreneurship, build collaboration, facilitate innovation and consolidate trust. It is a way in which smaller businesses meet each other, and connect with larger companies.  IBS offers a route by which larger companies can to build strong, local and diverse vendor bases, and discover many previously-hidden economic resources, talented people, customers and business partners in their community.

2) Bi-national communities are an economic resource in a global world.

Business people with international needs or business initiatives can benefit from IBS’ connections to new business ideas and prospects. The nine bi-national Chambers and Trade Associations find business support and mentorship for local partners, and are deeply connected to sources of cultural, training and economic resources.

The route to the “flat world” of the 21st Century begins with our own neighbors, who have the knowledge and ability to guide, support or promote our region, as we become employers, employees, suppliers, customers, outsource resources or other types of partners in the worldwide business community. Read more »