Exporting can be a profitable way of expanding your business, spreading your risks, and reducing your dependence on the local market. It exposes you to new ideas, management practices, marketing techniques, and ways of competing. Exporting can help your company increase its productivity, become more efficient, and increase your growth.
State Assistance Small and mid-sized Maryland companies can help offset some of the costs of marketing internationally by taking part in the ExportMD Program. Companies that receive an ExportMD award may be reimbursed for up to $5,000 for expenses associated with an international marketing project. Eligible expenses may include trade show fees, airfare, translation of brochures, and website development.
The Maryland Global Consulting Program allows Maryland businesses the opportunity to work with high-achieving University of Maryland students to utilize general strategy, marketing, finance, supply chain and logistics, and/or data analytics skills.
Maryland's FlexEx Program offers Maryland companies up to 20 hours of assistance for a wide range of services per year from the Maryland Department of Commerce's trade experts around the globe. Assistance must directly relate to export products of services. For additional information, contact Commerce's International team at (410) 767-0685.
The Maryland-Netherlands Cybersecurity Exchange Program provides Maryland companies the opportunity to "soft land" for up to 90 days in the Hague Security Delta with Maryland's Dutch partners. Office space and match-making services are provided to promite the expansion of a Maryland business in Europe. For additional information, contact Jessica Reynolds at [email protected].
The Maryland/Israel Development Center is a non-profit public-private partnership that promotes bilateral trade and investment. This program provides instant business contacts in the U.S. for Israeli Companies and helps Maryland businesses expore to Israel.
International trade of agricultural products requires effective collaboration. The Maryland Department of Agriculture's International Marketing Program introduces Maryland's farmers, processors, breeders, and waterment to international buyers and helps to facilitate the development of mutually beneficial relationships. Marketing staff provides guidance in navigating Maryland's marketplace.
Federal Assistance
The U.S. Export-Import Bank is the official export credit agency for U.S. businesses. When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, the Export-Import Bank levels the playing field by providing the financing U.S. businesses need by equipping them with the financial tools needed to compete for global sales.
The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) identifies international partnership and provides export-related guidance. USCS helps U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales in new global markets. A satellite office is located in Baltimore. The USCS has a variety of guides to help you get started with export basics, including its Trade Finance Guide and its book entitled "A Basic Guide to Exporting," which address virtually every issue a company seeking to export may face. The U.S. International Trade Administration is organized into three business units: (1) Global Markets Unit; (2) Industry and Analysis Unit; and (3) Enforcement and Compliance Unit. All three units work collaboratively to strengthen the competiveness of U/S. businesses, promote trade and investment, and ensure fair trade through enforcement of U.S. trade laws and agreements.
A variety of services, including counseling, advocacy, market research, and trade leads are offered. The World Bank is the largest development finance institution in the world. It's Global Markets/Commercial Service Liaison Office helps U.S. exporters take advantage of commercial opportunities through the World Bank’s numerous projects. Services offered include counseling, market intelligence, networking, advocacy, and troubleshooting. The Small Business Administration's Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) provides working capital advances on export orders, export receivables, or letters of credit. EWCP loans offer exporters greater flexibility in negotiating export payment terms. Exporters can apply for EWCP loans in advance of finalizing an export sale or contract.
