Global Pulse: Insights on Maryland exporting

2/26/2015

Signe Pringle

Article Topics:

International Business

February 2015

Global Pulse: Insights on Maryland exporting

Signe Pringle is Program Director of theOffice of International Investment and Tradewithin theMaryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

While the global marketplace offers vast opportunities for Maryland businesses, breaking into exporting and making international connections can be a challenge. Fortunately,theMaryland Department of Business and Economic Development(DBED) is here to help.

DBED'sOffice of International Investment and Trade(OIIT) is committed to identifying new opportunities and assisting Maryland businesses become successful overseas.

We encourage companies to take advantage of programs, includingExportMD grants, whichhelp offset companies' travel and marketing expenses associated with attending international trade shows.

This month, 10 Maryland companies were successfully awarded ExportMD grants, including: FiberPlex Technologies (Annapolis Junction), Ausley Associates (Lexington Park), JUL Designs (Savage), Innovative Services and Solutions (Hanover), Cini-Little International (Germantown), Patriot Technologies (Frederick), United World Technologies (Hanover), Chesapeake Specialty Products (Baltimore City), VariQ (Rockville) and MET Laboratories (Baltimore City).

Over the past eight months, DBED has awardedExportMD grants to38 Maryland companies.Applications are accepted on a bi-monthly basisand the next application deadline is April 1, 2015.

OIIT offers additional services to Maryland businesses looking to tap into international markets. This past month, OIIT hosted anInternational Development Forum, together with the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Baltimore and the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development. Companies in attendance heard from a panel of international development agency representatives and a panel of prime contractor small business liaisons interested in recruiting new small businesses. The forum also included educational sessions on compliance, proposal team building and security, all presented by experts in the field.

Looking ahead, we are gearing up for the world's largest aerospace and defense industry trade event, theInternational Paris Air Showin France in June 2015. If you are interested in joining us and showcasing your products and services in our Maryland booth, contact our office by calling410-767-0685 or by email atSigne.Pringle@Maryland.Gov.