Hecho en Puerto Rico, SBA sign agreement to strengthen exports

The new alliance will also promote the growth of small and medium-sized Puerto Rican businesses.
The Hecho en Puerto Rico Association (AHPR) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have signed a strategic alliance memorandum, marking a milestone in efforts to support small and medium-sized Puerto Rican businesses.
This strategic agreement aims to strengthen export capabilities and promote sustainable economic growth in Puerto Rico, the entities stated.
The agreement establishes a collaboration that will allow AHPR and the SBA to work together to provide Puerto Rican entrepreneurs with access to resources and programs that will facilitate their growth and expansion into international markets.
“This alliance with the SBA marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support small and medium-sized Puerto Rican businesses. Together, we strengthen export capabilities and promote sustainable economic growth in Puerto Rico,” said Mateo Cidre, president of Hecho en Puerto Rico.
“This collaboration not only opens new opportunities for our Hecho en Puerto Rico products and services, but also reaffirms our commitment to boosting the competitiveness and presence of our entrepreneurs in the global market,” he said.
As part of this agreement, AHPR will benefit from several initiatives and resources provided by the SBA, including up-to-date information on agency programs and services, access to resource partners such as Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and Women’s Business Centers, as well as participation in workshops, seminars and other training activities.
“The SBA provides grant funds to Puerto Rico to help small businesses trade abroad, and this strategic alliance memorandum with Hecho en Puerto Rico will enhance our shared commitment to increase exports and create good jobs,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas-Guzmán.
“This work is critical as Puerto Rican exports are vital to growing the island’s economy and strengthening America’s global competitiveness,” she said.