Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced six new grant awards designed to create or sustain high-quality export jobs across the U.S. in key industries. The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), which is administered by Commerce’s International Trade Administration, is awarding more than $1.7 million in financial and technical assistance to promote U.S. exports and reduce barriers to U.S. products and services across the world, including creating and retaining high-quality jobs.

“The U.S. Department of Commerce is excited to announce these six new awards that will help strengthen our economy, support our workforce, and promote Made in America goods and services,” said Secretary Raimondo. “We have seen time and again that working with non-profit industry groups is key to reaching markets in different parts of the globe and generating exports that will ultimately serve our goal of strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry. We look forward to adding the six new projects to our successful MDCP program, which has a strong history of creating multiplier effects and producing a significant return on investment for U.S. business.” 

Non-profit industry groups compete each year for up to $300,000 in federal funding for innovative and sustainable MDCP projects that help U.S. businesses generate or expand exports and create or sustain jobs. The six MDCP awardees for 2022 will contribute at least $3.4 million of their own resources and collaborate with International Trade Administration staff around the world to remove trade barriers and promote U.S. exports in their industries. 

The 2022 awardees are: 
• Western Arts Alliance – Portland, OR
• TMA BlueTech – San Diego, CA
• Wireless Infrastructure Association – Arlington, VA
• Louisiana Office of Tourism – Baton Rouge, LA
• EnglishUSA: American Association of Intensive English Programs – Marietta, GA
• US-China Environmental Education Foundation Inc. – Parsippany, NJ

On average, every $1 of MDCP award generates $309 in U.S. exports. Each year, MDCP projects support 14,000 U.S. jobs.

For more information about the Market Development Cooperator Program, please visit www.trade.gov/mdcp.