As a business leader, or employer of any type in North Carolina, you’re facing new challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. EDPNC is here to help you navigate these unique economic challenges in the days ahead.
Read the latest North Carolina International Trade Report, get information on the North Carolina Passport to Export STEP Program and find additional international trade resources.
EDPNC’s International Trade Division provides international trade and export assistance in several areas. Over the past year, we exhibited at over 30 trade shows in 16 countries and worked with 592 companies to provide various services. In 2018, the value of exports from the state increased to $32.7 billion on a nominal basis.
The 2018 North Carolina International Trade Report analyzes export data across multiple commodity sectors. The report highlights North Carolina’s top export commodities and top export markets. It also provides examples of how the Economic Development Partnership has helped companies increase their export activity. Designed to be accessible to a wide audience, the report serves as a high-level overview of North Carolina’s export activity for both business owners and local economic developers.
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), provides funding to qualifying small businesses to offset costs associated with exporting. STEP funds are used to assist companies with participating in foreign trade shows and trade missions, translating marketing materials and websites to attract foreign buyers; obtaining services to support foreign market entry; attending select export education courses throughout the state; and participating in the Southeastern Asia Initiative.
Qualifying companies can receive up to $11,000 in reimbursement funds through the NC STEP Program. This can include up to $5,000 in reimbursement towards booth costs associated with exhibiting on their own at an international trade show, up to $3,000 in reimbursement toward eligible flight and lodging costs for 1 or 2 company employees, and up to $3,000 in reimbursement toward services which aid them in reaching foreign markets.
To learn if your company is eligible to participate and to view the full list of qualifying tradeshows, download our 2019-2020 NC STEP Program flyer.
To apply for the 2019-2020 NC STEP Program, download the application now.
Find resources from across the U.S. Government that help American businesses plan their international sales strategies.
Learn how the Department of Commerce operates, get information on grant opportunities, find local contacts for services and offices in your city, and more.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture provides essential resources needed to bridge the gap between international buyers and North Carolina agribusiness.
With offices on university campuses, the North Carolina SBTDC provides management counseling and educational services free of charge to small and mid-sized businesses.
EXIM provides trade financing solutions including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees and guarantees of commercial loans to foreign buyers.
Find information on North Carolina’s ports, including customer service for your business, maps and directions, business directories and more.
NCDEC provides expertise, mentoring programs and tools to small and medium-sized businesses interested in exporting.
OPIC provides financial loans and guaranties, political risk insurance, and support for investment funds, all of which help American businesses expand into emerging markets.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects and reverse trade missions while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.
Learn how the State Department works, find links to its bureaus and offices, and see examples of diplomacy in action.
The IMF monitors global economic trends that affect the health of the international financial system, and provides technical assistance and resources to members in the event of a crisis.
Learn about SBA assistance including access to capital (business financing), entrepreneurial development (education, information, technical assistance and training), government contracting (federal procurement) and advocacy (voice for small business).
Each year, ARC provides funding for several hundred investments in the Appalachian region in areas such as international business development, education and job training, telecommunications, infrastructure, community development, housing and transportation.
