Commerce announces competitive grant program to promote U.S. exports

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Department of Commerce announced it is now accepting applications for the 2022 Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP). These awards, administered by Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA), provide non-profit industry groups with up to $300,000 in federal funding for innovative and sustainable projects that help U.S. businesses generate or expand exports and create or sustain jobs.

“I am excited to welcome applications for the 2022 Market Development Cooperator Program awards. This incredible program provides non-profit industry groups the opportunity to partner with the federal government in order to help businesses overcome obstacles and achieve success in international trade,” said Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo. “Awardees will be able to leverage the expertise of our global staff from more than 75 international markets to pursue innovative projects that grow and diversify our workforce while strengthening our economy and making the United States more competitive on the world stage.”

Awardees work in close partnership with ITA to implement projects over 3-5 years. During the application process, applicants demonstrate how their project aims to promote U.S. exports and in particular, this year, how it will support underserved companies exporting to foreign markets. Interested organizations should visit trade.gov/mdcp to learn more about the program and application process that includes an eligibility determination and preliminary counseling session with MDCP program experts. Parties can e-mail mdcp@trade.gov to get started. Applications will be accepted through May 13, 2022.

On average, MDCP projects generate $334 in American exports for every $1 awarded. In an average year, MDCP projects create or sustain more than 14,000 American jobs. For more information about the Market Development Cooperator Program, please visit www.trade.gov/mdcp.

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