ExportMD Program
About this page: Get back up to $5,000 to help market your small business in other countries.
Program Status
The ExportMD Program is currently active.
Commerce accepts applications every month. Applications are due on the 1st of each month.
The program is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the federal State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Because funding depends on this federal grant, the funds available can change from year to year.
What This Program Does
The ExportMD Program gives Maryland small businesses money to help cover the cost of selling their products and services to customers in other countries.
What “reimbursement” means: If you receive an ExportMD Award, the program pays you back for money you have already spent on an eligible international marketing project, up to a limit of $5,000.
The program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
If your company does not qualify for ExportMD, you can still get other kinds of help from the Maryland Office of International Investment and Trade (OIIT). Contact the office to learn what resources may be available to your business.
Who Can Apply
This program is for Maryland small businesses that are ready to start selling in international markets. You may be a good fit if your company:
- Has business operations in Maryland
- Is a “small business” under the SBA’s size rules
- Has been in business for at least one year
- Is ready to export (“export ready”)
- Is planning an international marketing project
What the Grant Can Fund
Businesses have often used these funds to help pay for travel related to international marketing. You can also use the funds for other marketing costs, such as:
- Travel related to international marketing
- Website development
- Trade show and trade mission registration costs
- Other international marketing activities
How the Program Works
Award amount
- You can be reimbursed for up to $5,000 of eligible international marketing costs.
Your project timeline
- Your international marketing project must start and finish within six months of the application deadline.
How often you can apply
- You cannot receive an ExportMD Award if you have already received one in the past year.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an ExportMD Award, your company must:
- Have business operations in Maryland and be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). You can check your status at Maryland Business Express.
- Have been in business for at least one year
- Be export ready
- Not have received an ExportMD Award in the past year
- Be a “small business” as defined by the SBA
- Be planning an international business project that will start and finish within six months of the application deadline
What "small business" means here
The SBA sets size limits based on your industry, measured by your NAICS industry code and based on either your number of employees or your annual sales. These limits include affiliated companies, such as parent companies and subsidiaries. Look up your industry’s size standard on the SBA website.
Documents You Will Need to Apply
Your regional manager will give you the application form and tell you exactly what to include. Be prepared to provide:
- The completed ExportMD application form
- A description of your international marketing project or plan
- An estimated budget for the project
- Proof that your business is in good standing with SDAT
- Information about your business size, such as your NAICS code and your employee or sales figures
- For reimbursement: receipts, invoices and proof of payment for your eligible costs
How to Apply
- Contact the program. Email [email protected] or call 667-263-9354 and tell them about your international marketing plan. You will be connected with a regional manager who will explain the program, give you the application form and guide you through the process.
- Schedule your export counseling meeting. The application process includes an export counseling meeting. You must schedule this meeting before the application deadline.
- Apply by the monthly deadline. Applications are due on the 1st of each month.
Tip: Because you need to schedule the counseling meeting before the deadline, contact the office at least two weeks before the deadline you are aiming for.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Applications are reviewed on a monthly cycle after the 1st-of-the-month deadline. Your regional manager can tell you when to expect a decision and when funds would be available.
How You Receive Your Funds
The ExportMD Award is a reimbursement. In general, you pay for your eligible international marketing costs first, then submit your receipts and proof of payment to be paid back, up to the $5,000 limit. Your regional manager will explain the exact steps and deadlines for getting reimbursed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Export MD FAQs
You can be reimbursed for up to $5,000 of eligible international marketing costs.
International marketing costs such as travel, website development and trade show or trade mission registration. Talk with your regional manager about whether a specific cost qualifies.
You cannot receive an ExportMD Award if you have already received one in the past year.
You can still get other international trade help from the Maryland Office of International Investment and Trade.
Funding Source and Required Disclosures
This program is funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328, Maryland’s total STEP program cost is $733,333 of which 75% is Federal Share of $550,000 and Non-Federal Share of $183,333.
Contact
Jason Callejas
International Trade and Investment Specialist
Maryland Department of Commerce
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 667-263-9354