International Trade

Helping North Carolina companies reach global markets.

Export Accelerator Program

In 2025, the EDPNC’s international trade team recruited manufacturers and service-based exporters from across North Carolina to join its new, transformative Export Accelerator Program. Launching in January 2026, this year‑long initiative is designed to help businesses expand globally with strategy, speed, and hands‑on support.

Led by the international trade team, the inaugural 2026 cohort of eight companies will gain individualized coaching, peer insights, a customized export strategy, target-market intelligence, and connections with new international partners. A second cohort will begin in August of 2026, with an additional group of exporters seeking to scale their businesses across borders. By offering best-practice workshops in strategic planning, global sales, legal considerations, and logistics, the Export Accelerator empowers North Carolina businesses to excel in international markets.

Our Impact

were exported from NC Companies

179 were minority and women-owned

were in tier 1 and tier 2 counties

were new companies seeking the international trade team's assistance

entered a new international market

Growing Global Sales in the Life Sciences Sector

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) provides international trade services to North Carolina companies, from high-growth startups to established manufacturers, to help them expand into global markets.

MethodSense, a life sciences service provider based in Morrisville, was seeking to expand its European and global customer base while increasing brand visibility. Bottom line – after connecting with our Trade Team, the company now projects international sales to grow by 5-10% over the next few years.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The International Trade team, in partnership with the US Small Business Administration, provided $900,000 in funding last year to 113 companies through the North Carolina State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which offers financial support to qualifying exporters for business growth and marketing activities.

Funded in part through a grant with the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is specifically designed to help small businesses in North Carolina fund costs associated with international trade.

Federal Funding Disclosure

In accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328

Federal Funding: $900,000 (75%)
State Funding: $300,000 (25%)
Total: $1,200,000 (100%)

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