Business Resources
Global Expansion for Maryland Businesses
Are you a Maryland business owner who is interested in exporting or expanding into global markets? Explore the resources provided below to learn more.
ExportMD
ExportMD is a collaboration between the Maryland Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its goal is to help offset some of the costs of marketing internationally for Maryland's small and mid-sized companies by offering companies up to $5,000 in reimbursement for expenses associated with an international marketing project.
19 Foreign Offices
Maryland has a network of 19 international trade offices overseas (see map below). Representatives within these offices help Maryland companies explore overseas markets and attract foreign companies to the state.
Maryland offers export counseling services, which provide Maryland companies up to 20 hours of assistance per year from international trade experts around the world, as well as from our staff in Baltimore at the Maryland Department of Commerce. Assistance can be used for services ranging from distributor or partner search to insight on local regulations. Assistance must directly relate to export products or services. Please contact the team member assigned to the region where you would like to request assistance (contact list below) or contact Deb Defazio at debra.defazio@maryland.gov or 410-767-3393 to be connected to an appropriate team member.
Trade Shows & Missions
Representatives from the Maryland Department of Commerce's Office of International Investment and Trade seek to connect Maryland companies to new opportunities in foreign markets through trade shows and missions. We invite Maryland companies to participate in these events, which help open doors to meet new customers and partners from around the globe.
Global Gateway Exchange Program
The Maryland Global Gateway Exchange Program provides Maryland companies with the opportunity to test out expanding to new markets abroad at an affordable rate. Program partners provide participating companies with access to facilities, resources, networking, advisors, and more.
Maryland Innovation Lab
The Maryland Innovation Lab pairs Maryland's leading corporations with startups from across the globe (or from right here in Maryland). This dynamic program invites selected startups to pitch their innovative deas to participating sponsor companies. Each lab cohort focuses on a new industry. The current Lab is searching for ideas to revolutionize logistics, enhance supply chain resilience, and help companies lead with cutting-edge solutions.
Foreign-Trade Zones
A Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area within U.S. borders that promotes domestic employment and helps U.S. firms compete in the global marketplace. A FTZ is located in or near a U.S. Customs port of entry, where foreign and domestic merchandise is generally considered to be international commerce. Foreign or domestic merchandise may enter this enclave without a formal customs entry or the payment of custom duties or government excise taxes.
Maryland FTZs include:
- Baltimore #74
- BWI Airport #73
- Prince George's County #63
- Washington County #255
Additional Services & Resources
Additional services available through the Maryland Department of Commerce include: international and industry research, marketing products and services abroad, assessing requirements for export documentation, and making business connections. Commerce supports the following initiatives:
- U.S. Export-Import Bank - Maryland Commerce offers partial reimbursement of Export-Import Bank services for eligible Maryland small businesses. Please contact Deb DeFazio debra.defazio@maryland.gov for more information. For full information on the Export-Import Bank's services, visit their website .
- U.S. Commercial Service - Maryland Commerce offers partial reimbursement of U.S. Commercial Service services for eligible Maryland small businesses. Please contact Deb DeFazio debra.defazio@maryland.gov for more information. For full information on the US Commercial Service Baltimore's services, visit their website .
- University of Maryland - The Center for Global Business, Smith School of Business, University of Maryland - Offers a variety of initiatives, including the Maryland Global Consulting Program, which connects Maryland companies to high-achieving students.
Additional Resources:
International Opportunities Newsletter
Stay up to date on opportunities to help your Maryland business grow globally. View past newsletters and sign up to receive the latest news below.
Connect with a Global Business Expert
The Maryland Department of Commerce has staff members who specialize in global expansion in specific regions around the world. Please contact the following representatives to learn more about opportunities that exist in each area.
