The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) recently announced this year’s grant recipients in the Atlanta Metro Export Challenge. The Metro Export Challenge (MEC) works with small and medium-sized businesses on funding and advising to help develop international business.
“Building upon metro Atlanta’s continued momentum as a global trade hub depends on nurturing a pipeline of innovative businesses and equipping entrepreneurs with the guidance and resources they need to bring their products and services to the world,” said MAC President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick.
Winners represent a range of industries, including finance and insurance; information technology; manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services; retail trade; and wholesale trade. Three of them are minority-owned, three women-owned and one is veteran-owned.
“The Atlanta Metro Export Challenge is the perfect vehicle through which to accomplish this, as evidenced by the notable success of participant companies” added Kirkpatrick. “I salute the 2021 class and thank our regional, state and federal partners and sponsors for making this important initiative possible.”
Each of the grant recipients will receive $5,000 to be spent on developing international sales, consulting or travel vouchers provided by Delta Air Lines (a quick look at most international travel prices would indicate would-be travelers better have a good sales lead before they book). Besides Delta, other sponsors include the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, Decide DeKalb, Delta Air Lines, Georgia District Export Council, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Partnership Gwinnett Select Fulton, Select Cobb and the U.S. Commercial Service.
It is the fifth year of the program that has now awarded nearly $650,000 to more than 100 metro Atlanta businesses, supporting more than $3,000 local jobs. Recipients have visited more than 50 international job markets, attended trade shows, distributor and customer meetings. Recipient businesses have done most of their international business in the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Canada, France, Singapore and South Korea.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, last year’s recipients worked on updating websites to increase accessibility for international customers, add certifications and conduct virtual presentations for international prospects.
The Atlanta Metro Export Challenge program is designed to grow Atlanta’s international reputation as a commercial hub by providing companies with financial and consulting resources. The MAC Global Commerce team provides trade counseling, access to a dedicated International Trade Specialist, an industry-specific trade manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development and a mentor at the Georgia District Export Council.
