ExportMontana

Export markets are important for Montana’s small businesses, taking advantage of an international market consisting of 95% of the world’s consumers – 80% of the world’s buying power, hedging against domestic sales slumps, and helping companies to grow and become more competitive in all their markets.

MISSION STATEMENT

ExportMontana provides export information, as well as technical and marketing assistance, to Montana companies pursuing commercial opportunities. We help Montanans prosper by diversifying their customer base and increasing sales of Montana products and services.

Accomplishments

We're passionate about helping small business increase their international sales and strengthen Montana’s economy.

• Since 2013, Export Montana has awarded nearly $5 million in grants to 879 Montana businesses, with a return on investment of $824 million in sales and 1,477 jobs supported.
• In 2022-2023, of the grants Export Montana awarded, 42% were to new clients. We travel to every region of the state to provide technical, compliance, and financial assistance to companies.
• Montana’s exports reached a record high of $1.9 billion in 2021.

President’s “E” Award for Export Service

In 2022, ExportMontana was awarded the President’s “E” Award for Export Service – the only state to receive that award in 2022.

The Montana Department of Commerce’s ExportMontana program helps Montana companies to compete at home and around the globe with the following services:

• Market Assessment: assess your domestic and international sales potential
• Market Development: take advantage of regional, national, and international trade promotions and grants for developing new markets
• Market Access: seek assistance with domestic and international logistics, compliance, and financing

Our key programs include:

• State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): grants for funding your international marketing activities
• Trade Show Assistance Program: grants for exhibiting at domestic trade shows
• Export Basics: learn if exporting is right for you
• Export Technical Assistance: work with our staff to get the one-on-one exporting assistance you need

Our key offerings:

• We help Montana businesses assess market potential
• We assist Montana businesses with market research, export compliance and logistics
• We help Montana businesses access state and federal grants for marketing activities
• We coordinate cooperative marketing opportunities such as Montana Pavilions at trade shows
• We manage Montana’s Sister State relationships
• We coordinate international diplomacy and relations activities, including trade missions