Governor Moore Announces Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Business Incubator and Accelerator Program Now Open
BALTIMORE, MD (December 9, 2024) – Governor Wes Moore today announced that applications are being accepted for the Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program, which allows Maryland companies to explore international markets at a reduced cost by connecting them with business incubators and accelerators abroad. The program, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce, is designed to support companies who are ready to expand their existing export capabilities, and serves as an important enhancement to existing state export assistance.
“Maryland 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,” said Gov. Moore. “Not only will this help those businesses, but it will boost Maryland’s competitiveness by showing the world what we have to offer.”
The program connects participants to a network of organizations in strategic markets around the world who will host the Maryland companies and provide access to facilities, resources, networking, advisors, and more. The list of partners, which is expected to expand in the coming months, includes:
- Cicada Innovations(Australia)
- EuraTechnologies(France)
- Guinness Enterprise Centre(Ireland)
- InnovationQuarter(Netherlands)
- Kanagawa Science Park(Japan)
- Plexal(United Kingdom)
- Shonan iPark(Japan)
Participating Maryland companies are also eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help offset costs associated with this program. These funds can be used to cover travel, lodging, transportation, and the cost of participating in the partner program.
“The Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program represents a new opportunity for Maryland companies to expand and grow,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “Maryland Commerce is excited to help these businesses connect with international clients and share their products, services, and innovations with the world.”
Applications are open now. Additional details, including webinar registration and eligibility terms, are available through commerce.maryland.gov.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
