State & Local Agencies

There are a number of excellent state and local organizations in Maryland that can help you develop export business.

Maryland Department of Agriculture

The Maryland Department of Agriculture can help take agricultural businesses to the world so they grow in ways they never could domestically. In addition to advising on and researching foreign markets, we regularly organize trade missions that connect local Maryland producers and suppliers with partners around the world. We also have expertise in making trade show experiences successful and leveraging them to raise the international profile of our state. These shows are a cost-effective way to reach foreign industry leaders and gain wide exposure. Accessing overseas markets is an effective tool in overcoming weak domestic demand and keeping your business profitable.

The International Marketing Program helps overcome the technical issues in exporting through access to experts in overseas shipping. We also work closely with USDA staff at embassies worldwide and with other organizations to facilitate exports to more than 35 countries.  Through the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) and the US Livestock & Genetics Export Association, MDA obtains funding to manage international trade missions and reverse trade missions bringing foreign buyers to visit Maryland farms. 

Maryland Department of Commerce – Office of International Investment and Trade

The Maryland Department of Commerce assists businesses to advance their global competitiveness. Its Maryland Partners in International Trade program, or MAPIT, brings together key partners from local, state and federal government and academia to facilitate greater access to and usage of the state’s ExportMD grant, and build new collaborative globally-focused programs. s part of the initiative, Maryland Commerce will provide training on existing export promotion programs to county economic development agencies and strategic partners, assist with developing marketing campaigns and host at least one export resource seminar in each county to connect with potential exporters. The initiative also seeks to link Maryland companies with export opportunities they may not be aware of and work to increase participation in overseas trade shows.

Maryland Center for Global Business

The Smith School’s Center for Global Business is home to one of 15 Centers for International Business Education (CIBE) in the country funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education. It serves as a regional and national resource center for teaching, research and outreach in international business and related fields. Its mission is to promote U.S. capacity for international understanding and economic enterprise and the ability of U.S. business to prosper in an international economy by focusing on:

  1. Top quality research & thought leadership in international business
  2. Prepare students for global leadership
  3. Faculty development in international business
  4. Build critical knowledge and international skills of business professionals

The CIBE grant for the Smith School Center for Global Business was renewed for the fifth time in 2018 with a $1.2 million four-year grant with 100% matching funds from the Smith School and University of Maryland.

Maryland Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is the leader in providing small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance needed to become successful in today’s challenging economic climate.

The SBDC provides comprehensive business guidance on most business issues, including international trade, and all of the following:

  • best practices for small businesses
  • business plan development
  • start-up basics
  • financing
  • procurement & contracting opportunities
  • regulatory compliance
  • money management
  • manufacturing assistance

World Trade Center – Baltimore

The WTC-Baltimore helps companies develop their international business through education, resources and connections. They are a membership-based, apolitical 501 (c) (3) non-profit, and part of the World Trade Center Association, the WTC-Baltimore helps form a network of 324 World Trade Centers around the globe in 89 countries. The association serves as an ‘international ecosystem’ of global connections and integrated trade services.

Positioned atop the World Trade Center Baltimore, the facilities offer a prime location for local and international corporate events.