ITA Seeking Applications for Export-Development Projects

International Trade Administration sent this bulletin at 02/14/2013 12:01 PM EST

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ITA Seeking Applications for Export-Development Projects

The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) is seeking applications for export-development projects by trade associations, chambers of commerce, and other non-profit industry groups.

This year, ITA’s Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) expects to have approximately $2 million dedicated funding for export-development projects. Individual awards will not exceed $300,000 per project.

Only five percent of potential customers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are in the United States. In order to reach the other 95 percent, SMEs must export. Unfortunately, many SMEs do not know how to export or where to turn for help. While ITA works directly with individual SMEs through its network of over 100 U.S. Export Assistance Centers and www.export.gov, MDCP projects also help SMEs. ITA uses the MDCP to leverage its limited resources to help exporters by awarding project funds to organizations that serve U.S. firms. On average, $258 in exports is generated for every one dollar of MDCP funds awarded. Since 1997, MDCP projects have helped U.S. firms generate over $7 billion in exports.

An example of a MDCP award recipient’s success is AMT, a trade association that opened a machine-tool demonstration and service center near Shanghai. This center showcased U.S. merchandise and companies to Chinese customers, allowing the Chinese customers to see machines in action before buying. Over 100 U.S. firms have utilized the center. As a result, many of the U.S. machine tool companies now have their own presence in China.

ITA is seeking project applications from industry groups eligible to receive MDCP funding including World Trade Centers, trade associations, and state and local economic development entities. MDCP funds have been used to underwrite the cost of trade missions, attendance at foreign trade shows, industry standards education, and other activities. Industry groups must contribute at least two-thirds of the cost of projects they propose. In addition to financial assistance, ITA supports each project with technical assistance.

Application deadline is February 28, 2013. For more information on MDCP awards please visit: www.trade.gov/mdcp.

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Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Phone: (202) 482-3015 (main) Email: ITALegislativeAffairs@trade.gov Web: http://trade.gov
U.S. Department of Commerce | International Trade Administration

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