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International Trade Program
The International Trade Program is a new pilot initiative designed to help Charles County businesses explore international markets and prepare for global growth.
Through a combination of education, market exposure, and connections to international trade resources, participants will gain the knowledge and relationships needed to pursue opportunities beyond the United States. The program is designed for businesses that are ready to expand into global markets or have products and services with export potential.
By collaborating with state and federal trade organizations and leveraging Charles County's Sister City relationships (Matola, Mozambique and Walldorf, Germany), the program will help local businesses build export readiness, develop international connections, and better understand the global marketplace.
Required Eligibility
Your business must:
- Be located in Charles County, Maryland.
- Have been operating for at least two (2) years
- Be an established, legally registered business
- Be in good standing with the State of Maryland
- Must not be presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or otherwise ineligible for federal funding
- Be owner-operated, or have an owner or senior decision-maker (such as a C-level executive) who will actively participate in the program
The full eligibility criteria for the International Trade Pilot Program are available here.
Program Schedule
Session 1: International Trade Fundamentals
- Value Proposition
- Differentiator
- Market Selection
Session 2: Market Intelligence and Global Market Selection
- Market research tools
- Market entry strategies
- Market pitch
Session 3: Export Compliance and Regulations
- Export documentation
- Trade compliance (domestic and international)
- Licensing and regulations
- Shipping and logistics basics
Session 4: Export Financing and Risk Mitigation
- Export Working Capital
- Loan guarantees
- Export credit insurance
- Presentation for Market Pitch
Session 5: Leveraging Sister City Partnerships
- Trade opportunities with Mozambique
- Business environment in Germany
- International partnership strategies
- Presentation for Market Pitch
Includes:
- Guest speakers from the Mozambique Embassy, Washington DC
- Guest Speakers from the German Embassy, Washington DC
- Sister City International (partner states & cities in the US)
- Cultural and market insights
Session 6: International Market Pitch & Business Matchmaking
Businesses will:
- Present their company and offerings
- Identify international partnership goals
- Participate in matchmaking discussions with international partners
Participants must commit to attending all program sessions and participating in at least one in-person session.
Sessions will be held twice each month on Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:00 AM in a hybrid format. The inaugural cohort is tentatively scheduled to run from September 16, 2026, through April 28, 2027, with a program orientation planned for Thursday, September 10, 2026. Final dates, locations, and program details will be shared with accepted participants.
Application Deadline: August 26, 2026