How to access USDA grants for export programs

Bryant Christie Inc., an international marketing and research firm, is offering free webinars to help food, beverage and agribusinesses seek out, apply for, and leverage government grants for export programs.

Throughout its 30-plus-year history, Bryant Christie Inc. (BCI) has worked to secure more $100 million in government grant funding. The firm specializes in helping exporters access, open and develop markets around the world,

“BCI has a high rate of success with state and federal grant programs and we are pleased to share some of what we and our clients have learned along the way through these webinars,” Alicia Adler, vice president of marketing and business development for BCI, said in a news release.

The first webinar, “USDA Grants: What, When and How?,” is from 10-11 a.m. Pacific, March 7.  This session will demystify the USDA grant process, offering an insider’s view on how to identify the right grants for your projects and craft compelling applications, which are typically due during the first half of the year. BCI’s market development team will give an overview of the vast array of grants available and offer valuable tips for submitting a strong application.

Presenters for this session are Sarah Gelpi, who leads BCI’s market development team and Shelby Sackett, who has been instrumental in grant writing and administration related to USDA’s export assistance programs.

“Billions in government dollars are available for food, beverage and agribusinesses to take advantage of,” Adler said in the release. “Our team of market development experts work with clients to determine priorities, conceptualize grant projects and develop successful applications.”

The second webinar, “How to Leverage Grant Funds with Effective Market Development,” is from 10-11 a.m. Pacific on March 14. During this session, BCI’s team of Market Development experts will walk through the process of developing an effective marketing plan from ideation to performance monitoring. Whether you’re using government grant funds or your own marketing dollars, it’s critically important to have strategic, effective programs in place.

BCI will provide specific tips on how to effectively reach and connect with target audiences in new markets. Presenters include Adler and Tamara Thorberg, a senior manager in BCI’s market development business unit.

“We assist our clients throughout the process from searching out the right grant program, to making sure all application requirements are complete, and avoiding technical issues with submission,” Adler said in the release. “And once a grant is awarded, BCI can manage grant administration, implement activities, facilitate audits, and ensure compliance.”

Time will be allowed during each webinar for participants to ask questions.

Read more about grants awarded to BCI clients in this case study found on their website here.