UTSA International Trade Center hosts delegation from Jamaica and Caribbean
(May 9, 2014) -- The International Trade Center at the UTSA Institute for Economic Development recently welcomed a delegation of business development professionals from Jamaica and the Caribbean to observe the operations of the institute and SBDCs.
SBDCs, established throughout the United States by the federal government in partnership with universities and colleges, assist entrepreneurs and business owners in establishing and growing their businesses through a free and confidential suite of advising services. Services include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies, business strategies, financial planning, marketing, production and professional networking. The centers support new and existing businesses.
The Jamaican delegates included representatives of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Development Bank of Jamaica and Jamaica Business Development Corp. Participants also represented the Caribbean Export, Organization of American States and Department of Economic and Social Development.
During the weeklong visit, the delegates met with directors and staff of the various centers and specialty centers in the Institute for Economic Development and the Southwest Texas Border SBDC Network. The agenda included best practices and practical direction to give Jamaica the best chance to succeed in creating economic impact for stakeholders.
This visit was part of the International Trade Center and Institute for Economic Development's SBDCGlobal program that, with the support of the Department of State, has helped countries to develop U.S.-modeled SBDC networks in the Americas since 2003.
"Jamaica is in the implementation phase of the process of establishing a network of SBDCs," said Cliff Paredes, director of the International Trade Center. "It's exciting to be working with a very talented delegation, and we are looking forward to seeing them excel at this initiative that will generate small-business growth in their country."
The International Trade Center at UTSA is one of the largest and most successful trade assistance organizations in Texas. It helps companies become globally competitive through technical trade consulting, customized market research and innovative training programs. The center is a specialty SBDC program in the South-West Texas Border SBDC Network. Follow them on Twitter (@TexasTrade) and like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/texastrade).
>> For more information on the project, visit the SBDC Global website. View photos of the Jamaican visit on the UTSA International Trade Center Facebook page.
Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.