Program Purpose
The Global Export Market Services (GEMS) is a matching grant that helps businesses expand through increased export activity. The grant is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses get the technical and marketing assistance they need to succeed in international markets. GEMS can provide up to $25,000 which can be used in a variety of export related activities. Many firms choose to use the grant to hire an export marketing consultant who can provide services custom-tailored to a company’s specific international business development needs.  The grant can be used for a broad range of activities designed to assist the firm in being competitive in international markets Groups of companies or industry associations can request apply for up to $50,000 to fund export trade development services. GEMS will cover up to 50 percent of the total acceptable project costs within the maximum funding described. 

 

Program Highlights
GEMS assists New York companies by providing matching grants for export marketing projects for new-to-export and new-to-market companies.  The funds are typically used to pay for activities that enhance a company industry group member’s competitive position in international markets. The grant benefits individual companies, groups of companies or industry associations. Other groups may apply but the benefits of the grant must go to the participating companies.

GEMS funding can be used for a variety of activities designed to help your company expand internationally, such as:  

• Identify and assess overseas markets 
• Develop comprehensive market entry strategies on a country-by-country basis 
• Research, recommend and develop appropriate distribution channels 
• Develop timely, product-specific competitive market intelligence 
• Assess export operations and fulfillment capacity
• Create new international marketing materials
• Develop after-sales support or service for foreign markets 
• Adapt product to meet overseas market specifications
• Internationalize web pages
• Translate technical or marketing data.

 

Eligibility
Eligible participants must either be a New York State manufacturer, service or agricultural business with 500 or fewer employees and whose New York State production content is at least 51 percent.  The program is also open to educational institutions and regional non not-for-profit organizations, such as world trade groups that develop innovative programs to help New York State firms expand their exporting skills and activities. 

 

Application Process
Empire State Development’s International Trade Specialists are available to help design and review project statements and research proposals.  Prior to approval, ESD evaluates a company’s needs and commitment.

Contact Information
To learn more about GEMS, please contact ESD’s International Division via email or call us at (212) 803-2300.