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Applications Open For Funding Through Domestic Trade Grant Program
New state funding is available to help food, beverage, and agricultural businesses expand to new markets and boost domestic sales!
This statewide opportunity is designed to support Maine businesses in the following areas:
Eligible businesses can apply for direct financial support for activities that increase a business's capacity for sales, such as sales channel support (i.e. media campaigns, attendance at specialty food and beverage trade shows and expos, packaging design, agritourism enhancements, etc.), marketing assistance, and technical assistance.
In case you're not familiar, this is a first of its kind funding opportunity available through Governor Mills' Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. Domestic Trade Grants are designed to help Maine business owners and entrepreneurs reach new markets and boost domestic sales.
Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is administering the Domestic Trade Grant on behalf of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Even though GPCOG is a regional organization, services are available for Maine businesses throughout the entire state.
GPCOG is hosting webinars every Tuesday, 12:00-1:00 p.m., from Oct. 31 to Dec. 12. These webinars will function as office hours, giving prospective applicants and partners the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Domestic Trade Grants Team.
Grant sizes range from $10,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of the business or collaborative project.
There are two rounds of funding planned. Applications for the first round close December 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Visit Program Website
Register for Webinar(s)
Please review all of the materials before applying. Technical assistance is available by emailing domestictrade@gpcog.orgor by calling 207-387-2919 to request additional technical assistance or language translation services.
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