The ExportMD Program helps to offset some of the costs of marketing internationally for Maryland's small and mid-sized companies.
BENEFITS
Maryland companies that receive an ExportMD Award are eligible for up to $5,000 in reimbursement for expenses associated with an international marketing project. The program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Traditionally, many companies used the funds to offset travel expenses related to international marketing, but the funds can be applied for other marketing initiatives, ranging from website development to registration costs for virtual trade shows and missions.
Companies that do not qualify for the ExportMD program can still receive other forms of assistance through the Maryland Office of International Investment and Trade (OIIT). Please contact the office to learn what resources may be available to your firm.
QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify, a company:
- Must have business operations in Maryland and be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation;
- Must be in existence for at least one year;
- Must not have received an ExportMD Award in the last year;
- Is a "small business" as defined by the SBA**; and
- Is planning an international business initiative to commence and conclude within six months of the application deadline — at the very latest.
**Companies must not exceed the employee number or annual sales figure thresholds as set by the U.S. Small Business Administration (as determined by an ExportMD applicant's North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry code, and including any affiliated companies, such as "parent" businesses and subsidiaries — of either).
APPLICATIONS
Contact jason.callejas@maryland.gov or 667-263-9354 and tell us about your international marketing plan. You will be connected with a regional manager who will provide you with additional details about the program and the application form, and will guide you through the application process.
Commerce accepts ExportMD grant applications from qualifying companies on a monthly basis. Applications are due on the 1st of each month.
The application process includes an export counseling meeting which must be scheduled prior to the deadline. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants contact our office at least two weeks prior to the application deadline.CONTACT
Jason CallejasInternational Trade and Investment Specialistjason.callejas@maryland.gov667-263-9354 DISCLAIMER: Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
