News Summary
Metro Atlanta announces grants for 10 local exporters to enhance international sales efforts. The $5,000 grants come from the Metro Export Challenge, which has supported local businesses with nearly $900,000 in funding over the past decade. This initiative facilitates mentorship and travel support, contributing significantly to Georgia’s economy and promoting job creation through export development.
Metro Atlanta’s Export Challenge Awards $5,000 Grants to New Cohort of 10 Companies
In a significant boost to the local economy, Metro Atlanta has recently announced that a new cohort of 10 exporters will receive $5,000 grants aimed at enhancing their international sales efforts. This funding comes from the Metro Export Challenge (MEC), an initiative coordinated by the Metro Atlanta Chamber that has made nearly $900,000 available for export development over the past decade.
Utilization of Grants
The awarded grants can be directed towards various essential expenses such as attending trade shows, translating marketing materials, and qualifying global customers. In addition to the financial support, the grant recipients will benefit from mentorship provided by local organizations, including the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center and the Georgia District Export Council.
Support from Delta Air Lines
To further assist these businesses in their export pursuits, Delta Air Lines Inc. has pledged to provide a flight voucher for each company, facilitating their travel needs for international ventures.
Diverse Portfolio of Recipients
This year’s cohort consists of a dynamic mix of product-based companies and service providers, with almost half of the recipients owned by women, minorities, or veterans. Noteworthy product companies include Just For Teens, which specializes in organic personal care for youth; EcoSlay, known for eco-friendly haircare products; and Joe Tools Inc., which produces tooling for various industries. On the service side, companies like Lockthreat LLC, offering an AI-powered risk and governance compliance platform, and Patientory, a mobile app for healthcare data sharing, are also represented.
Success Stories from Previous Years
Past MEC funding recipients have reported impressive growth, including the establishment of overseas offices and securing vital investors. For instance, last year’s MEC pitch competition runner-up, CodeMettle, intended to use an additional $10,000 in funding to participate in international defense-related trade shows.
Impact on Georgia’s Economy
Since its inception, the MEC has contributed nearly $1 million in grant funding, significantly benefiting small and mid-sized businesses looking to expand their international reach. Georgia’s export sales reached a record high of $53.1 billion in 2024, showcasing a growth rate of 6.4% year-over-year, outpacing the national average of 2.3%. The state’s top export products include civilian aircraft, motor vehicles, data processing machines, telephone equipment, and medical devices.
Job Creation and Local Initiatives
The ongoing success of local export initiatives is closely linked to job creation within Georgia. The MEC has been instrumental, generating over $5.4 million in contracts from just $50,000 in export grants last year, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering economic growth.
Getting Involved with Exporting
For those interested in learning more about exporting or the Metro Export Challenge, an upcoming event titled Export Stories will be hosted by Global Atlanta on March 12 at the Cobb Chamber.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Atlanta Appoints New Director for International Affairs
Additional Resources
- Global Atlanta: Metro Export Challenge Grants 10 Company Cohort Announced
- Wikipedia: Export
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia Sets Record $53.1 Billion Exports
- Google Search: Georgia exports 2024
- Now Habersham: Kemp Georgia Breaks Export Trade Records
- Google Scholar: Georgia export trade
- All On Georgia: Gov. Kemp Georgia Breaks Export Records
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Export Trade
- Global Atlanta: SBA Exporter of the Year Spectrum Restores Sight
- Google News: Export success stories
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
