Collaboration agreement supports Puerto Rican business expansion in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – To guide and support Puerto Rican businesses interested in establishing themselves in Orlando, Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gómez-Cordero and the president of Puerto Rico’s United Retailers Association (CUD, in Spanish), Lourdes M. Aponte-Rodríguez, have signed a collaboration agreement to provide an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city.
The agreement was signed Thursday in Gómez-Cordero’s office. Aponte-Rodríguez mentioned that the agreement is the result of the commissioner’s participation in the CUD’s last Getaway Empresarial event in Puerto Rico, where members expressed interest in expanding or starting businesses in Florida, and sought resources and guidance for successful ventures.
“We are delighted with this agreement because it facilitates development opportunities for our entrepreneurs within the city of Orlando. At the same time, they are provided to Pymes [Spanish acronym for small and midsize businesses] to obtain all government procedures more quickly to establish businesses outside of Puerto Rico,” said Aponte-Rodríguez, who was joined by Vilma S. Medina, executive administrator at the CUD.
Medina explained that entrepreneurs often have questions such as where to start or how to proceed.
The CUD and Gómez-Cordero will coordinate efforts to offer guidance, resources and assistance to entrepreneurs through the business development process, covering market research, legal requirements, networking and other areas.
The CUD will also serve as a liaison with the commissioner’s office and to assist anyone seeking guidance.
The agreement formalizes the commitment to entrepreneurial development in the region. The CUD represents nearly 5,000 members across 167 categories.
Gómez-Cordero noted that her office is already assisting many Puerto Ricans looking to do business in Orlando. One of the businesses is El Tío Fried Chicken in Salinas, which is exploring where best to expand to in the Orlando area.
“We already had been helping them. Now, we have signed this official agreement. Small businesses support the local economy and create jobs; they are the soul of our community and economy,” she added.
Moreover, Gómez-Cordero not only encourages business expansion, but also participation in networking events and understanding the opportunities available to become vendors and conduct business with local and federal governments.
Workshops and seminars will be organized and include an entrepreneurial workshop in Orlando this year.
For more information, email the CUD.
