(This article originally published May 9, 2019 in the Immokalee Bulletin)

IMMOKALEE – Taste of Immokalee is rapidly expanding, with the statewide rollout into Publix stores now expected to include 240 locations. With this growth comes the hurdle that many small businesses struggle to overcome: the ability to finance the expansion. As an avid supporter of Taste of Immokalee, First Florida Integrity Bank has agreed to finance the expansion through a line of credit.

Bank executives including Garrett Richter, President, CEO and Director as well as former Florida Senator, and Gary Tice, Chairman and Director, hosted a document signing ceremony alongside high school students representing Taste of Immokalee. The signing symbolized First Florida Integrity Bank’s commitment to supporting the community and its youth by enabling the expansion of the student-run business of Taste of Immokalee.

“We are excited to be chosen to finance Taste of Immokalee’s growth,” said First Florida Integrity Bank’s Thomas Robinson, Senior VP, Commercial Loan Department. “We’ve had a great relationship for many years and we are really proud of their success.”

“Taste of Immokalee is extremely grateful for the continued support of First Florida Integrity Bank,” said Marie Capita, Taste of Immokalee’s Executive Director. “This financing not only ensures our ability to meet the growing demand for our products, but also provides an extraordinary learning opportunity for our student entrepreneurs. Their real-world business experience now includes an understanding of the cost of growth and the importance of financing options such as a line of credit – something that teens don’t often have the opportunity to learn.”

The document signing was held at the First Florida Integrity Bank on May 2, 2019. Learn more about Taste of Immokalee at www.TasteofImmokalee.com.