Gov. Wes Moore sitting in a dark suit, white shirt, dark tie, at a desk with a microphone, speaking with his left hand up.
Gov. Wes Moore. Photo from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Facebook page.

Applications are being accepted for the Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program, which connects Maryland companies with business incubators and accelerators abroad. This allows the companies to explore international markets at a lower cost.

The programโ€™s goal is to support companies looking at the possibility of exporting their goods and services abroad and add to similar assistance the state already offers. It is administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

โ€œMaryland companies are some of the most exciting and innovative businesses in the world, and this terrific new program will help them grow by connecting them to international partners and markets,โ€ Gov. Wes Moore said. โ€œNot only will this help those businesses, but it will boost Marylandโ€™s competitiveness by showing the world what we have to offer.โ€

The Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program connects companies to a network of organizations around the world. Those global companies will host the Maryland companies, providing access to facilities, networks, resources, advisors, and more.

The countries with companies participating in the network include Australia (Cicada Innovations), France (EuraTechnologies), Ireland (Guinness Enterprise Centre), Japan (Kanagawa Science Park and Shonan iPark), Netherlands (InnovationQuarter), and the United Kingdom (Plexal).

Maryland companies who participate are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help with program costs, including travel, lodging, transportation, and the cost of participating in the partner program.

โ€œThe Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program represents a new opportunity for Maryland companies to expand and grow,โ€ said Kevin Anderson, secretary of Maryland Department of Commerce. โ€œMaryland Commerce is excited to help these businesses connect with international clients and share their products, services, and innovations with the world.โ€

To see the application and apply for the program, click this link. For more information, including registration for a webinar on the program and eligibility terms, visit Maryland Department of Commerceโ€™s website by clicking this link.