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Statewide Business Briefs - Jan. 2010
? TRADE
Cuba — A top trade official
reported that Cuban purchases
of food from the U.S. are expected to fall by at least a third this year,
to less than $590 million.
? EDUCATION / ENERGY
Tallahassee — The National Science Foundation has awarded five Florida universities $600,000 over three years to promote the advancement of women educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The five are Florida State University, the University of South Florida, the University of Florida, Florida A&M University and Florida International University. Penny J. Gilmer, a chemistry and biochemistry professor at Florida State who is overseeing FSU's portion of the grant, says, "Each university plans to offer workshops for senior faculty, department chairs, administrators and human resource personnel on methods to enhance recruitment
of women. In addition, senior
faculty will provide mentoring experiences for junior women
faculty in these departments."
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The Department of Energy has awarded Florida $30.4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support clean energy projects across the state. The award to the State Energy
Office will be used to support
state-level energy efficiency
priorities and to fund local conservation projects.
? VC FUNDING
Winter Park — The Florida Opportunity Fund announced plans to invest $4 million with venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates. The money will be used to finance startup companies in Florida. The Florida Opportunity Fund, created by the Legislature as part of a state economic development strategy, aims to invest in venture funds that focus on seed and early-stage Florida businesses.
