An official website of the State of Maryland.

Maryland.gov Translate

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Maryland Department of Commerce

Global Gateway - Soft Landing Exchange (Maryland Companies)

The Soft Landing Exchange gives Maryland companies an affordable way to test expanding into new markets abroad. Through a network of official partners in strategic markets around the world, participating companies explore new markets with access to facilities, resources, networking, and advisors.

Partner Organizations

Current partners include:

Additional partners around the world are expected to join the program in the coming months.

Funding

Maryland companies may apply for funding to help offset costs associated with this program. Eligible companies can receive up to $10,000 toward participation costs, including travel (flight, lodging, transportation) and the participation costs charged by the partner program.

Funding is provided through the ExportMD Program.

Who's Eligible

The Soft Landing Exchange page does not publish separate eligibility criteria. Because funding runs through the ExportMD Program, ExportMD’s qualifications apply to the funding. To qualify for ExportMD, 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 be export ready
  • Must not have received an ExportMD Award in the last year
  • Must be a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration — not exceeding the employee or annual sales thresholds for its NAICS industry code, including any affiliated parent companies or subsidiaries
  • Must be planning an international business initiative to commence and conclude within six months of the application deadline

How to Apply

Apply now through the program’s online application form.

If you are seeking ExportMD funding, note that ExportMD applications are due on the first of each month, and the process includes an export counseling meeting that must be scheduled before the deadline. Contact the office at least two weeks before the deadline.

Contact

Jason Callejas
International Investment and Trade Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 667-263-9354