Thread by @davidmullings

Companies need to be export-ready - @MarlonAHill #CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

Next session coming up will focus on how to scale your business. I will be speaking on that panel #CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

Very happy to see such a strong focus on pushing minority owned businesses in Florida to exportand focus on international trade.

Don’t think local alone

#CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

“Over 3/4 of the world’s purchasing power is outside of the United States” - Joseph Bell

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Key drivers for international trade

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Fireside chat time with us Caribbean American businesses in #Florida #CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

Bahamians were integral in the signing of the city charter for Miami Gardens.

#CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

Bahamas-based business owner doing business in Florida as their US HQ location pointed out the importance of trademarking, pointing out that many start in the region as Mom & Pop so must take trademarking serious

#CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

Tip: If you have a product, find the target market who would be the referral source for your product and brand

Eg. Window company spent time getting to know Caribbean architects and builders

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The largest supplier of windows and doors to the Caribbean landed a contract in Jamaica that was on a pay schedule instead of cash upfront and he was unable to secure financing from any bank or the SBA to fulfill the contract.

Had to self-finance from other contracts.

Reminding viewers that access to finance to scale your business is critical

#CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

Advice to your younger entrereneurial self: “Stop saying no for other people. Ask them, ask for help”

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Advice cont’d: The team matters, especially in family-owned businesses - Ghandi Pinder, Bamboo Shack

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Advice cont’d: “Trust in your capcacity, trust in your capability and take risks” - Jeff Lozama

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Minority & Small Business Boot Camp enterpriseflorida.com/boot-camp

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Advice cont’d: “Know what you don’t and stay focused” - Kadion Preston, Caribshopper

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Doing business with family:

“I keep 9-5 strictly 9-5 so if I have to admonish my daughter then I admonish her. I pat her on the back for a job well done as well” - Jeff Lozama

#CaribbeanAmericanBusinessSummit

I was asked why I chose Florida as the base for @BlueMahoeCap and the answer has 4 reasons:

1. South Florida is 3rd largest concentrated area of wealth (West Palm Beach to Miami) so money is here and are an investment firm

2. Only 40 minute flight to The Bahamas, 70 minute flight to Jamaica and easy access to the rest of the Caribbean through 2 major international airports, the countries that we are investing in

3. I went to university in Miami and know that our state taxation policy is extremely favorable so it is a great state to be headquartered in

4. Florida is home to the 2nd largest Caribbean American population in the USA, our primary target market to invest in the Caribbean

Great moderation by @MarlonAHill today.

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