Export Grant Program Overview – Minority Business Office

If you have a minority &/or women-owned business and are interested in exporting to foreign markets, you could be eligible for an export grant. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to companies that are new to exporting or are expanding into new markets. These grants help Colorado businesses develop a strategic plan for exporting. Grants may be used for international business development and marketing projects including client development, airfare and lodging to a foreign market, foreign trade show exhibition and conference costs, trade missions, foreign business-to-business matchmaking services, and targeted advertising in overseas industry trade publications.

• Grants are capped at $10,000 per business to cover costs associated with export projects, activities, or services undertaken from July 1, 2015–June 20, 2016.
• Approved applicants are required to attend the Leading Edge for International Opportunities class curriculum, a ten-session course that provides practical training for small businesses on all aspects of international trade. The course is available in-person or via recorded webinar. Completion of the course will provide participant businesses with certification to the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) as part of the grant and World Trade Center of Denver annual membership and WTC Annual Meeting on Sept. 22, 2015. The value to attendees for the classes, WTC membership, and NASBITE certification will be covered by the Colorado SBDC.
• The Office of International Trade is aiding in the selection of grant awardees, as well as providing subsequent local and international consulting to grant recipients.
• Each grant recipient will receive the amount determined by OEDIT. Proof of expenditures will be required to be submitted to the Minority Business Office.
• A mid-year progress report and a final report will need to be filed with the Minority Business Office through the grant cycle.
• Grant applications will be accepted through October 1, 2015. Late acceptance will be approved based on individual exceptions.

Eligibility Requirements

• Company employees less than 100 employees globally
• Company is headquartered in Colorado or at least 50% of its employees are based in Colorado
• Company is registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State
• Company ownership is 51% minority or women-owned, who have primary responsibility for managing day-to-day operations

Eligible Export Projects, Activities or Services Covered by Program

Grant proceeds may be used for specific international business development and marketing projects, activities or services. These costs may include, but are not limited to:

• Client development activities.
• Roundtrip, economy-class airfare to a foreign market for up to three individuals as necessary and as warranted by the anticipated economic benefit of the trip.
• Roundtrip, economy-class airfare for a foreign company to come to Colorado to further develop an already existing business relationship with a local Colorado company. Roundtrip airfare will be provided for up to two individuals from the foreign company as necessary and as warranted by the anticipated economic benefit of the trip.
• Lodging for up to seven nights for up to three representatives of the participant in the foreign market or their potential buyer/partner in Colorado. Funds will cover standard-room charges and cannot cover suites or similar lodging expenses.
• Foreign trade show exhibition and conference participation costs.
• OEDIT and/or U.S. Department of Commerce (“DOC”) sponsored trade missions.
• Foreign business-to-business matchmaking services, including the use of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Gold Key service.
• Targeted advertising in overseas industry trade publications.

The Export Grant is a financial assistance program administered by OEDIT in partnership with the Colorado Small Business Development Center and the Rocky Mountain World Trade Center Institute.