Florida State Representative Hazelle P. Rogers calls for local support of the recently launched Caribbean Idea Marketplace (CIM) Matching Grants program.

To encourage local participation, a workshop will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 26 at the City of Miramar City Hall. Attendees can learn more about preparing a proposed business project, eligibility criteria and the application process.

The CIM seeks to foster collaboration between local and global Caribbean Diaspora entrepreneurs to develop innovative projects that will generate employment and economic growth. The unique grant program will offer up to $100,000 in matching grants for joint projects between Caribbean nationals and members of the Caribbean Diaspora

Because of its proximity to Latin American and the Caribbean, Rogers believes that Florida is poised to lead the way in the region's economic recovery.

"To turn around Florida's economy, we must take advantage of every opportunity. Each step is an effort to increase Florida's global competitiveness as a destination for business, talent, capital, innovation and entrepreneurship and promote Florida as the world destination of choice for business and industry," said Rogers.