If you’re a Georgia manufacturer or professional service provider looking for new markets, you can start or expand your international trade efforts with the support of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).
In Georgia, we know companies that sell overseas grow an average of 18 percent faster, and their workforces are typically 10 to 15 percent more productive than those that don’t. International sales volume lowers overall production costs and leads to increased profitability.
When you partner with GDEcD’s Global Commerce Division, you gain access to research, online assistance, training, financial opportunities and, the in-country market assessment you need to succeed. (Read: "Building Bridges - From Georgia to the World." This PDF profiles Georgia companies that are successful exporters.)
By working with GDEcD you’ll also receive assistance with trade shows, international trade missions, in-country matchmaking appointments, connections with international buyers and trade opportunity alerts. In addition, during 2011 and 2012, Georgia’s small companies can take advantage of the opportunities provided by two federal grants received by GDEcD.
To help smooth the way in new markets, Chris Young, the state’s Chief of Protocol serves as the main point of contact for the Atlanta Consular Corps and foreign consulates. Nico Wijnberg, the state’s International Business Liaison, is the point of contact for bi-national trade offices and chambers of commerce in Georgia. They can provide information and exceptional services to help make your time in Georgia – whether for a business trip or relocation – run smoothly.
More than 60 governments throughout the world have consular offices and/or trade representation in Atlanta. To learn more about these offices and what they can do to help you promote your business internationally, visit our Consulates, Bi-National Chambers of Commerce or Georgia International Offices pages.
Georgia’s G.R.O.W. Step by Step Program
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is implementing a new program to increase Georgia’s small business exports. Georgia Reaching Out Worldwide Step by Step program (G.R.O.W.) is funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant Program. The G.R.O.W. program runs through Sept. 29, 2012.
While the G.R.O.W. program does not provide financial assistance directly to companies, it provides new export services and reduced fees for existing export services. Companies will be selected to participate based on order in which their qualifying application is received. Eligibility requirements are described below. Companies are encouraged to apply early as a limited number of spaces are available for each service and can apply online at http://trade.georgia.org.
To learn more about the resources, assets and know-how of our Trade Division, please contact us. (PDF)
Related Sites:
Georgia Foreign Trade Zone
CIFAL Atlanta
TradeRoots
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Office of the Governor
For more information, contact us at 404-962-4036.