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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Victoria Park
May 14, 2002
202-482-0310
COMMERCE
DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION
IN GRANTS TO HELP BUSINESSES EXPAND EXPORTS
Non-profit
Export Multipliers Encouraged to Compete for 2002 Awards
The Commerce Department has announced
that non-profit export multipliers such as local development agencies, small
business development centers and trade associations can now apply for Market
Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) awards worth $2 million.
“We want businesses to
take advantage of new exporting opportunities abroad,” said Commerce
Assistant Secretary Linda Conlin. “This program gives them the jump
start they need to create new business relationships to promote their
products around the world.”
The MDCP is a competitive
matching grant program established in 1993 designed to help small and
medium sized businesses promote U.S. products abroad. Awards are limited
to $400,000 each, which may last up to three years. Award winners are
required to match federal funds 2 to 1. Over the last five years, MDCP
projects have generated over $1 billion in exports or $86 for every Federal
dollar invested. The deadline to apply for the grant is July 1, 2002.
In addition to receiving funds,
recipients also receive professional support from Department of Commerce
trade experts. This includes customized briefings on markets and industries,
assistance in organizing trade missions, facilitating private meetings
with pre-screened contacts in other countries and organizing debriefings
to determine appropriate follow-up strategies.
Organizations interested in
applying for an MDCP grant can obtain information by calling (202) 482-2969
or visiting www.export.gov/mdcp
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