Feb 24, 2011 – Launched officially on Thursday, the Program called: Internationalization of Brazilian Companies; is a partnership initiative of the Municipality of Campinas, through the Department of International Cooperation, with the Brazil-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce in Florida, and IBE Business Education. It is the first step for those who want to start a business venture with an international focus. Participants may still have a chance to get connected with potential investors looking for international ventures.

The project's main objective is to offer businesses (micro, small and medium) of Campinas and region that have already developed a product or have a niche market. Entrepreneurs will have a chance to participate in a series of workshops taught by Jefferson Michaelis, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Tampa Bay.

According to Michaelis, these classes are intended to be interactive and give feedback to many questions that small business owners have in particular about starting a business in Florida. For those entrepreneurs who can attend all the workshops, they will receive an international certificate issued by Florida International Business School.

For the first time in Campinas, the local entrepreneur has a real opportunity to get practical guidance on how to get started in the international business field", said the Secretary of International Cooperation officer, Sinval Dorigon in Campinas.

Besides the workshops, the program will also offer an “International Business Clinic-IBC”, to be held every 15 days, in which the Brazil Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce President will personally visit companies, and will direct them on how to start in the international venture. The IBC meetings will be even more valuable, in particular for those companies interested in investing or expanding its businesses in to the United States.

The first training class starts in March. The Registration, the international business clinic and workshops are free of charge.