ALBANY, N.Y. — Empire State Development (ESD) on Tuesday announced an expansion of Global NY’s international presence, growing from nine to 15 markets.
Global NY is ESD’s international division. ESD also hired Belfast, Northern Ireland–based OCO Global to manage the additional offices. OCO Global is a technology-enabled advisory firm focused on trade, investment, and economic development, per its website.
The expansion includes new representation in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan.
As of Tuesday, companies will be able to submit Export Marketing Assistance Service (EMAS) applications to any Global NY location. Information about the EMAS can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/export-marketing-assistance-service-program.
Global NY was also awarded $900,000 in federal funding for STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) round 12 to help connect New York businesses to exporting opportunities abroad.
“By expanding Global NY’s international offices and securing federal STEP funding, we are reinforcing our commitment to empower New York’s small businesses to compete in the global marketplace into key markets,” Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development said in the announcement. “These strategic initiatives provide our businesses with resources and opportunities to export their products and services worldwide, fostering growth and job creation across the state.”
The STEP funding, provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers grants to qualifying small and medium-sized businesses. The program aims to increase the number of small businesses that begin to export, boost the value of exports for businesses that currently export, and encourage small businesses to explore “significant” new trade opportunities.
Global NY oversees the STEP program at ESD. Information on STEP and how to apply for funding can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/global-ny-state-trade-expansion-program-step.
Global NY will be hosting a webinar for New York companies looking to export or expand existing export efforts on Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. to introduce its new offices and to discuss exciting funding opportunities. Businesses interested in participating can register online.