Small Business Network of the Americas

The Business Development in Central America exchange brought together professionals from across the region to explore the skills necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs and community leaders in high-value industries like technology and innovation. The program began with a U.S.-inbound exchange in September 2014, followed by an outbound event in each of the participating countries in March 2015 in which participants learned from fellows and other businesspeople how to incorporate technology and innovation into their businesses. Anthony participated in the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE) to gain first-hand experience in sustainable and competitive small business development in Brazil. At the time of the exchange, he was the Director of the International Trade Center at Oklahoma State University and has since transitioned to Manager of International Trade for the Mississippi Small Business Development Center at the University of Mississippi. By maintaining regular communication with his international trade counterparts at SEBRAE, Anthony says he is able to better help his clients gain access to international trade opportunities in Brazil. Through this exchange, he learned new skills in business management and operations and was presented with valuable networking opportunities and professional resources in the region.