Program Purpose
The Global Export Market Services (GEMS) is a matching grant that helps businesses expand through increased export activity. The grant is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses get the technical and marketing assistance they need to succeed in international markets. GEMS can provide up to $25,000 which can be used in a variety of export related activities. Many firms choose to use the grant to hire an export marketing consultant who can provide services custom-tailored to a company’s specific international business development needs. The grant can be used for a broad range of activities designed to assist the firm in being competitive in international markets Groups of companies or industry associations can request apply for up to $50,000 to fund export trade development services. GEMS will cover up to 50 percent of the total acceptable project costs within the maximum funding described.

 

Program Highlights
GEMS assists New York companies by providing matching grants for export marketing projects for new-to-export and new-to-market companies. The funds are typically used to pay for activities that enhance a company industry group member’s competitive position in international markets. The grant benefits individual companies, groups of companies or industry associations. Other groups may apply but the benefits of the grant must go to the participating companies.

 

Eligibility
New York State businesses that aim to enter or expand their sales in foreign markets. Eligibility includes:

• Businesses engaged in manufacturing or services whose New York State production content is at least 51%

 

Application Process
Companies are accepted into GEMS based on product line and potential in the new market. A company’s participation begins by submitting an application to the program. After an initial screening and notification of your acceptance into the program, we place you in direct contact with ESD trade specialists in our foreign offices that can appropriately link a business with sales agents, partners and distributors best suited to represent its interest internationally.

 

Contact Information
To learn more about GEMS, please contact ESD’s International Division via email or call us at (212) 803-2300.

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