Non-profit industry groups can apply for federal funding of up to $300,000 to support projects that will generate an increase in both U.S. exports and U.S. jobs, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced recently.

The new funding opportunity is through the 2023 Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), the DOC states in an April 24 news release. The International Trade Administration (ITA) administers the annual competition and selects a limited number of projects "aimed to generate U.S. exports, help address trade barriers, enhance U.S. industry competitiveness, and create American jobs," the news release states.

“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," DOC Secretary Gina Raimondo said in the news release, "and that has tallied $12.6 billion in U.S. exports since its creation."

MDCP award-winners will receive up to $300,000, to be matched one-to-one by the winner, for projects of three to five years that will remove barriers to trade and help U.S. companies to export, according to the ITA website. In addition to the funding, recipients will work with industry and trade experts in ITA's global network, who can provide technical and financial assistance.

"Our specialists have years of experience opening doors and breaking down barriers to trade for U.S. companies looking to export," the ITA states on its website. "With our team by your side, your organization and your stakeholders will have a strong advocate and collaborator to help successfully guide you."

MDCP projects generate on average $286 in U.S. exports for every dollar awarded, and create or sustain 14,000 U.S. jobs annually, according to the release.

Successful projects will show how they will increase U.S. exports and U.S. jobs and enhance competitiveness; past projects chosen addressed removal of trade barriers, expansion of industry exports, adoption of standards and regulations, industry advocacy, and infrastructure and training, according to the ITA. Eligible applicants include non-profit industry groups, trade associations, standards-developing organizations, state department of trade, regional trade and economic development associations, world trade centers, chambers of commerce and small-business development groups. 

 “I am excited to welcome applications for the 2023 Market Development Cooperator Program," Raimondo said in the release, "and I look forward to the innovative projects that come from partnering with export experts at ITA.”