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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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