Green Export Enabler Program Generates Cleantech Exports

The Center for International Trade Development at El Camino College (CITD-ECC) has used its Green Export Enabler Program (GEEP) to help U.S. firms sell cleantech products to customers in Hong Kong and China. CITD-ECC put up $844,000 of its own resources, alongside a $392,000 MDCP award to fund the project. Through GEEP, U.S. firms recieving training, counseling, market intelligence, matchmaking, and follow-up assistance.

Trade events like this visit to a Shenzhen power plant help U.S. firms to understand the market. ITA's MAS industry specialists and Commercial Service in Hong Kong, China and California have helped CITD-ECC help U.S. firms to export. The project has generated $4.3 million in exports to date.

MDCP Awards: Industry Groups Can Get Up to $300,000 for Foreign Market Development Projects
Each year, ITA makes several financial assistance awards to industry groups to pursue projects that help U.S. firms export and create jobs. Find out more about getting funds to help on our About MDCP page.

MDCP Awards Still In Process: No Announcements Likely Before End of August or Early September
Processing of the 2012 MDCP awards continues. ITA does not decide when new awards are finished processing. As soon as ITA is notified by the Department of Commerce grants officer that the awards can be announced and a press release is prepared, we will update this website. The last time we announced winners was September 20, 2011. See the press release for a list of the winners. (Note that the limit for awards in 2011 was $500,000. The new limit is $300,000.)

Weren't Ready to Apply this Year? Plan for Next Year
If your industry group missed this year's deadline, plan to apply next year. The 2013 announcement will probably be published in early January 2013. It should be similar to the announcement of the 2012 competition. If you are not already familiar with the program, start with our About MDCP page. The deadline for submissions will probably be in mid- to late-February 2013.

Unsuccessful Applicants Have Been Notified Via Email
On May 25, 2012, ITA notified all applicants not selected to receive awards. Unsuccessful applicants interested in applying for a 2013 MDCP award are encouraged to contact Brad.Hess@trade.gov to arrange a debriefing. The next competition should open in early January 2013 with applications due in mid- to late- February.

MDCP Supports the National Export Initiative
On March 9, 2010, ITA issued a press release, detailing ways in which MDCP supports the National Export Initiative. If your organization plans to apply for MDCP funding, you must envision a project that results in exports.

Exports Create Jobs
In a January 15, 2010, speech delivered in Anchorage, Then-Secretary Locke noted that every $180,000 increase in exports creates one U.S. job. Refer to the study on jobs and exports for more information.

How to Know if You Are On Our Email Contact List
If you received an email on December 30 then you are on the list. If you did not receive an email and you have not received an email since then notifying you that you are on the list, please email Ms. Latonya Milstead at Latonya.Milstead@trade.gov and request to be added to the contact list.

Who from ITA Works with MDCP Award Winners?
In addition to MDCP Director Brad Hess, MDCP award winners will work with a team of ITA professionals who can help them accomplish project goals. You can search for likely ITA team members using the directories on line 4 of Step-by-Step Application Process.

MDCP is designed for non-profits, trade associations, etc. that represent an industry. It is not designed for individual companies. For more information about eligibility for financial assistance programs other than MDCP, visit the eligibility page of grants.gov.