Companies Sought for Pilot Commerce Department Export Growth Program

The US Department of Commerce is looking for participants for an upcoming pilot program to assist manufacturing and technology companies wanting enter or expand in global markets. The program, called ExporTech, is being setup by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana, part of the Commerce Department's national MEP system, the Commerce Department's Commercial Service office in New Orleans, and LSU's Small Business Development Center.

The outcome of participation is a vetted export growth plan for the 6-8 participating companies. The ideal company is one that has "dabbled" in exporting products to other countries and would like to develop a formal export growth plan to expand international sales. "If you've had requests for your products from other countries, that means there's something about your product people are willing to pay extra for, even with shipping and customs costs," said Dave Thomas of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana. "If you ignore the demand for your product overseas, you're potentially leaving a lucrative revenue stream on the table."
Over a three month period, three one-day sessions will be held in Baton Rouge; with topics, expert resources and speakers customized to meet participating companies' needs. Between sessions, participants work on research and drafting of their export growth plans, with one-on-one coaching from export experts from the Department of Commerce. In final session, the plans are vetted by panel of international business experts.

ExporTech participants should be CEO or other high-level company personnel. Companies may send up to three participants to the program, which begins January 27. "Because this is a pilot program, most of the costs are being subsidized by the Department of Commerce," Thomas said.

To obtain an application or for more information, contact Dave Thomas at 337-482-5844, or dave.thomas@mepol.org.