U.S. Department of Commerce invites industry groups to apply for export promotion funding

This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce released a new funding opportunity through the 2023 Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) to support projects up to $300,000 each aimed to generate U.S. exports, help address trade barriers, enhance U.S. industry competitiveness, and create American jobs.

“This is an incredible opportunity to participate in a program with a track record of creating significant returns on investment for U.S. businesses, U.S. workers and the U.S. economy as a whole, and that has tallied $12.6 billion in U.S. exports since its creation,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “I am excited to welcome applications for the 2023 Market Development Cooperator Program, and I look forward to the innovative projects that come from partnering with export experts at ITA.”

MDCP, administered by the International Trade Administration (ITA), selects projects submitted by non-profit industry groups and other eligible entities and provides recipients with financial and technical assistance from ITA’s global network of industry and trade experts on 3–5-year projects designed to create or sustain U.S. jobs through the exports of goods and services produced in the United States. On average, MDCP projects generate $286 in American exports for every $1 awarded. In an average year, MDCP projects create or sustain 14,000 American jobs.

Applicants must demonstrate how their project will generate U.S. exports and support U.S. jobs. To learn more about the program and application process that includes an initial eligibility determination and preliminary counseling session with MDCP program experts visit trade.gov/mdcp or e-mail:[email protected] to get started. Applications will be accepted through June 20, 2023.