GPI Awards Export Assistance Scholarships to 14 Local Entrepreneurs
23 Jun 2020
Press Release, GPI in the News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2020
Media Contact
Anna Marum
Greater Portland Inc
anna.marum@greaterportlandinc.com
971-339-2012
GPI awards export assistance scholarships to 14 local entrepreneurs
The local business owners may use the funds for international export-related sales activities.
PORTLAND, Ore. – Greater Portland Inc (GPI) is pleased to announce recipients for its fourth round of Growing Small Businesses Globally export assistance scholarships, which aim to support entrepreneurs who are women, people of color and veterans.
The scholarships provide access to valuable training sessions with seasoned export advisors, as well as a stipend for internationally focused sales activities. The scholarships come at a crucial time, as many small business owners are struggling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are the new scholarship awardees:
- Anja Bump - Twofold Inc.
- Christine Walter - Bauman's Cider Company
- Emily McIntyre - Catalyst Trade, Inc.
- Gilad Nachmani - Minimal Gear LLC
- Jaime Saavedra - Ravisant Corporation
- Matt Choi - Choi's Kimchi Co.
- Mike Seely - Seely Mint
- Nancy Faubel - Pure Wild Oregon
- Nat West - Reverend Nat's Hard Cider
- Nichola Ballerstedt - Nichola Ballerstedt
- Shane Johnson - Graphic Products, Inc.
- Sophie Rahman - Cardamom Hills Trading Co
- Stacy Moritz - Secret Aardvark Trading Co
- Tessa Koch - TMK Creamery
“This amazing program and scholarship opportunity will allow TMK Creamery participate in an international food trade show in Singapore early next year,” said Tessa Koch. “This will potentially give our small creamery an international market for our Cowcohol (vodka made from whey-upcycling).”
Since the program’s inception in 2018, GPI has awarded 48 scholarships to local entrepreneurs, including this group.
“Exporting is crucial in helping our local businesses grow beyond our region,” said Matt Miller, GPI’s interim president and CEO. “We are proud to connect these entrepreneurs with resources to help them succeed, even in the midst of this downturn. The success of these local businesses is a key component in our region’s successful recovery.”
Exporting for the first time can present significant logistic, legal and financial hurdles. The Growing Small Businesses Globally program taps local industry experts to guide participants through the process. Training sessions are provided by GPI export partners at:
- Business Oregon
- Small Business Development Center at Portland Community College
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Oregon Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Commercial Service
The sessions include export finance consultation, designing a foreign market strategy and more.
Last year, the Growing Small Businesses Globally scholarship program received the Program Excellence Award from the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators.
Scholarships are funded by a grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.
“We feel our support of GPI’s Growing Small Business Globally program is an important way we are helping to build the long-term success of the local economy,” said JPMorgan Chase Oregon Region Manager, Michael Hurley. “One of the most urgent challenges we face is the need for more inclusive economic opportunity and we know that helping minority-owned small businesses is a powerful strategy for promoting economic mobility.”
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About Greater Portland Inc: Greater Portland Inc provides support and services to companies seeking to relocate or expand in Greater Portland, a region that spans two states and seven counties. A true public-private partnership model, Greater Portland Inc is supported by 90 public- and private-sector partners who are committed to advancing regional economic development through job growth and investment. Greater Portland Inc and partners shape the region’s economic future and market the region to the world. Learn more at greaterportlandinc.com.
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