Maria, Yepes
Start-up, Women/Minority Certification and Spanish Counselor
Ms. Maria Clara Yepes is a Certified Business Analyst with the Small Business Development Center at USF. She provides counseling services to small businesses in the areas of business start-up, women/minority certification, international trade and business planning. She counsels and teaches seminars in English and Spanish. Prior to working at the SBDC, Ms. Yepes worked for Citigroup as an Anti-Money Laundering Analyst and at AchieveGlobal as an Alliance Partner Intern.
Ms. Yepes was born in Medellin, Colombia where she spent her childhood and teenage years. In 2001, she came to the United States to pursue a professional education. She obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Hillsborough Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, and an MBA also from the University of South Florida. Her areas of study include: marketing, international business, management and sustainability.
Ms. Yepes is a member of NASBITE International and a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). She is also a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), where she currently serves as VP of Education for the Tampa Bay Chapter.
To schedule FREE, confidential business counseling with this counselor, please contact the USF SBDC at (813) 905-5800, or click the link below for on-line counseling assistance. We look forward to hearing from you!
Electronic Request for Counseling
Lower Import Tariffs to Help Manufacturers
The U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act helps manufacturers generate employment and boost exports
President Obama has signed into law the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act. The bill suspends or reduces the import tariffs on raw materials that are used by U.S. manufacturers and that are not available in the U.S. Products include certain chemicals, synthetic fabrics, herbicides, among others.
Learn MoreHigh Speed Rail Projects for Minority Owned and Small Businesses
Information Meetings Set for Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) through its Florida Rail Enterprise will host public information sessions in Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando to explain how minority owned and small businesses can be part of a team to bid on Florida’s high speed rail project connecting Tampa to Orlando.
Learn MoreWhat is a trade mission?
Exporters and importers can use international trade missions to investigate opportunities in potential foreign markets and meet possible clients. A trade mission is a trip with a formal business agenda, which is usually organized by economic development organizations or government agencies. The trip’s agenda can include visits to ports and airports, and one-on-one meetings with prospective clients.
Learn MoreASTE Trade International – A Hillsborough County Success Story
Tampa Company Exports to Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan
In its first year of existence, ASTE Trade International, LLC has experienced amazing growth and success. In just 12 months, the company has done more than 60 export transactions and has established ongoing relationships with at least 9 clients in Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan. ASTE has exported construction materials, tools and equipment, computer equipment, and chemicals. Its clients are primarily private contractors who currently serve the U.S. government overseas.
Learn MorePositive International Trade News for Florida
Florida to rank 4th among all U.S. states in state origin exports
According to recent statistics Florida’s international trade industry is experiencing healthy growth. Statistics for April 2009 – April 2010 show merchandise exports are up 15.4% and imports are up by 27.5%. In 2009, Florida’s merchandise trade totaled $103 million. Florida is also a leader in service exports, with an estimated value of $25-30 billion annually.
Learn MoreImproving Conditions for Exporters
President Obama Moving Forward with the National Export Initiative
In January, during the State of the Union Address, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative and set the goal to double American exports over the next five years. Last week the President offered remarks about the initiative and stated the government is “moving forward on improving conditions for America’s exporters.”
What this means for small businesses is an increase in technical assistance and export planning, an increase in international events and outreach (e.g. trade missions), and an increase in export financing.
Learn MoreSanctions from President Impacting Exports and Imports
U.S. exporters and importers need to be aware of changes in U.S. foreign policy
President Obama has increased the U.S. Sanctions on Iran in an effort to prevent Iran from funding and developing its nuclear program. What does this mean to U.S. exporters and importers?
Learn MoreVirginia C. Carter, P.A. – A Hillsborough County Success Story
Plant City Law Firm Creating Jobs
“provided me the education, training, and assistance needed to accomplish my dream”
Established in March 2009, Virginia C. Carter, P.A. is a small business that created two new jobs in 2009 and will soon be creating one more. Virginia, benefiting from the assistance of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida, received a small business loan to help her get started. Serving local clients as well as clients in Polk County, and soon clients in Hardee County, Virginia is providing valuable economic impact.
The SBDC offers USF Student Firsthand Look at International Trade
Scholarship Awarded to USF Student to Attend Annual Certification Program
Each year, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) holds the International Trade Certification Program (ITCP) to assist small business owners who are interested in exploring international markets or who seek to export, but have limited international market experience.
Learn MoreSustaining Small Business
SBDC Counselor Maria Yepes published in the Jan/Feb edition of the Maddux Report
For many entrepreneurs the concept of sustainability is not new. Small businesses have to apply sustainable practices in order to be profitable. However, with all the buzz about being green, some companies have lost their way into greenwashing and have forgotten the basics of sustainability.
Learn MoreMinority Certification 101
So you want to obtain a minority/woman certification? Well, here are some common questions regarding the process to get you on your way:
Click Here to Read the Full Article
Learn MoreInternational Trade Counseling
What Type of International Trade Counseling Is Available at the SBDC?
The SBDC at USF offers free counseling services on international trade. You will be able to speak to an International Trade Specialist, who will guide you in the process of taking your existing business international or starting your international trade business.
How do I Make an Appointment for International Trade Counseling?
You must call to make an appointment with our International Trade Specialist. Please call (813) 905-5800 to make an appointment.
Are there other International Trade Resources Available?
The resource library includes international trade books that are free to use by SBDC clients. The books cover topics such as: How to Take your Business International, Documentation, International Business Culture, Pricing, Payment Methods and Incoterms.
Through the resource center computers, you will also have free access to international trade electronic databases. For example, you will be able to access STAT-USA at no cost.
View more information about the <a href=”/resource-center/”>Business Resource Center</a>.
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