CommerceConnect business assistance initiative in Baltimore is 17th expansion this fiscal year, exceeding initial target of 16 Following the launch of its Michigan office last September, the U.S. Commerce Department’s CommerceConnect is expanding into Baltimore, Md. The 17th expansion this fiscal year, the Baltimore initiative exceeds CommerceConnect’s initial goal of deploying services in 16 communities across the country.
Announced in 2009, CommerceConnect is a one-stop-shop initiative in which Commerce Department employees are cross-trained so they have the ability to connect firms to the full menu of Commerce programs and can link business owners with other federal, state, local and nonprofit resources. The effort is designed to cut through red tape and simplify access to services and resources that can help companies grow, create jobs and become more efficient.
Newly cross-trained Commerce staff will work in existing local department offices to assist Baltimore-area businesses–no matter where they are in their life cycle, whether just getting off the ground or looking to expand into overseas markets–in collaboration with state and local partners.
The CommerceConnect network has expanded since its initial pilot to include not only a Michigan field office, but also a Gulf Coast initiative and growing contingent of cross-trained specialists in Commerce Department field offices now in 17 communities across the country, as well as a national call center and web portal.
Businesses in Maryland interested in working with CommerceConnect specialists can contact the CommerceConnect Call Center at 1-888-728-4190 or visit www.CommerceConnect.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
