Pennsylvania’s Global Access Program (GAP) – Export Business Grant

Amount: up to $10,000 of 75% eligible expenses.

The Global Access Program (GAP) is designed to enhance the capability of small to mid-sized Pennsylvania companies to increase export sales. GAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD) and provides up to $10,000 per award period to qualifying Pennsylvania companies to reimburse up to 75% of eligible expenses associated with specific export promotion activities. The program is funded in part through a federal grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Eligibility requirements

Assistance is limited to Pennsylvania companies that meet the following criteria:

  • Operate a licensed business in Pennsylvania to manufacture, assemble and/or distribute a product, or provide an exportable service;
  • Are in good standing with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the IRS;
  • Identify one or more specific, achievable, export initiatives requiring financial support;
  • Agree to provide their Regional Export Network Partner (REN) with export sales dollars resulting from the GAP-funded initiative on a regular and timely basis;
  • Meet the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) definition of an Eligible Small Business Concern (ESBC), which is defined as an entity that: \
    • 1. Is organized or incorporated in the United States;
    • 2. Is operating in the United States;
    • 3. Meets
      • The applicable industry-based small business size standard established under section 3 of the Small Business Act; or
      • The alternate size standard applicable to the program under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act and the loan programs under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.);
      • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards are found in Title 13 Part 121 of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).
    • 4. Has been in business for not less than 1 year, as of the date on which assistance using GAP funds under this subsection commences; and,
    • 5. Has access to sufficient resources to bear the costs associated with exporting, including the costs of packing, shipping, freight forwarding, and customs brokers.

Eligible activities

GAP is designed to provide flexibility and encourage innovative use of funds to meet the specific international marketing needs of the applicant. Valid uses include:

  • overseas and domestic trade show participation
  • overseas trade mission participation
  • foreign market sales trip
  • subscription to US DOC services
  • translation/interpreter fees
  • website internationalization
  • shipping sample products, and
  • compliance testing.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Virtual tradeshows & mission registration fees
  • Compliance testing (including CE, CEE, GDPR, UL Canada, ATEX Testing / Certification, Japan Haz/Loc Certification, IECex Testing / Certification, ISO)
  • Website internationalization
    • Design & development of website, with an international focus
    • Translation of website into foreign languages
    • Maintenance and monitoring fees for search engine optimization (SEO)
  • E-Commerce
    • E-Commerce platform fees, including hosting and/or maintenance fees
    • Online market listing fees
    • Expenses for setting up website to accept international payments
  • Digital & Marketing Media (design and/or translation of any digital advertising or marketing media, including audio/video and social media, with an international focus)
  • U.S. Department of Commerce services fees and/or any Federal service that directly supports exporting
  • International Travel
    • Overseas trade missions
    • Overseas tradeshow exhibition
    • Foreign market sales trips
  • Other – Export Credit Insurance Policy fees & Intellectual Property protection

Reimbursement schedule

The GAP awardees are determined by a competitive process. Funds are limited and subject to availability. Applications will be reviewed by a committee and funding decisions rendered on a first-come, first-served basis.

When payments are approved by the Office of International Business Development, companies can expect reimbursement within 6-8 weeks if all items are in order.

Amount of the Grant

The Global Access Program (GAP) will reimburse up to 75% of eligible expenses, providing up to $10,000 per award year to qualifying companies.

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