Public-private export initiative opens up the world to Alabama exporters

Starting its third year, the Alabama Export Council's unique Trade Mission/Trade Show Grant Program has been an unqualified success. The program, an initiative of the Export Council, is supported enthusiastically by its international trade partners. It was established to encourage small- and medium-sized Alabama companies to participate in foreign trade events in order to expand their export sales. The results of this pilot program will be provided to Alabama trade officials in the hope of a long-term commitment to the program.

Exporters have a critical need to visit their high potential markets, but the costs involved are often prohibitive for small- and medium-sized companies. This program allows firms to apply for grants of up to $2,500 to help offset the costs of international trade event participation. Funding for the program is definitely a "public-private" affair as donations are received from many organizations, such as the Alabama Export Council; a private company; a cabinetlevel Alabama agency; and the Alabama World Trade Association.

The application requires the export-ready small- or medium-sized company to furnish extensive data, including financial and marketing information which is kept confidential. Two other requirements include a site visit by members of the program committee and a commitment by the firm to detail any export success that results from the trade event.

Another facet of this program is that the District Export Council membership offers its time as "mentors" to the successful applicants. They furnish needed advice and counsel, particularly to export-ready firms with successful experience domestically, but not in the international arena. The winning combination of providing grant money and counseling gives the company an even greater chance of success in its exporting activities.

To date, the program has assisted the export efforts of 14 Alabama companies in product fields as diverse as low-bed trailers; oil field floats; and seasonings for the meat, poultry, and seafood industries. Grants awarded now total more than $32,000, and this effort has led to export market penetrations of more than $1.9 million in sales by six companies. Based upon the preliminary information from other grantees, reports of more positive results are on the way.

For further information on the Trade Missions/Trade Show Giant Program, contact George T. Norton, Jr., Alabama Export Council Executive Secretary, at (205) 731-1331 or by e-mail at GNorton1@doc.gov.

Note: This is an update to the On DEC article, "Alabama DEC Launches the Alabama Trade Giant/Trade Mission Program," which appeared in the August 1996 Business America.

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