WICHITA, Kan. – Companies in a 10-county region are eligible for export assistance from a $100,000 grant administered by Kansas Global, a Wichita-based non-profit trade advisory firm.
The grant program is the next step in the Wichita-South Central Regional Export Plan released in March. JPMorgan Chase has provided $50,000 of the grant pool, matched by $50,000 from local governments, private businesses and economic development agencies in the 10-county region.
The 10 counties include Cowley, Harvey, Kingman, Marion, McPherson, Reno, Sedgwick, Sumner, Harper and Butler.
Businesses can use the funds for activities such as research and consultation, trade show participation, foreign product certification, international credit reports and export-related education and training.
The business grants are a one-time opportunity and are available only until the funds are depleted.
The Wichita-South Central Regional Export Plan was coordinated by Kansas Global in cooperation with JPMorgan Chase, the Brookings Institution, the Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) of South Central Kansas, GWEDC (Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition), WSU CEDBR (Center for Economic Development and Business Research), Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, Kansas Department of Commerce and the City of Wichita, and Sedgwick County.
Development of the export plan was a product of the region’s acceptance in the Global Cities Initiative (GCI), a joint project of Brookings and JPMorgan Chase, in November 2013. Metropolitan areas participate the GCI to improve their global competiveness.
“The global marketplace is more complex, more challenging and more receptive than ever,” David Page, Managing Director for JPMorgan Chase, said. “We’re proud to be a part of this effort by local governments and the private sector to help our businesses compete and succeed in today’s global environment.”
Companies in the 10 counties may apply at www.kansasglobal.org.