Maine Domestic Trade Expansion Program

Maine Domestic Trade Expansion Program

Funded by the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan (MJRP) through a contract with the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD), MITC administers the Maine Domestic Trade Expansion Program (DTEP), providing financial support to help companies diversify and grow markets within the United States.

This program is currently available to support Maine businesses engaged in one of the following three sectors:

Aerospace & Defense

Food & Beverage

Offshore Wind & Renewables

“This award helped us secure a sizable wholesale account at the NEPC Annual Expo, which we needed to increase growth and sales and hire two additional full-time employees. Our intended domestic market development focuses on New England to Mid-Atlantic states. Thank you, MITC, for this opportunity to strengthen our business and community!”
Emily Dickinson, Owner, Farming Fungi, LLC dba Mousam Valley Mushrooms(Springvale, ME)
Emily Dickinson, Owner, Farming Fungi, LLC dba Mousam Valley Mushrooms
“Thank you, MITC. Reaching our NIST goals ensures our ability to do Government contract work and to maintain the workforce to do so!”
Dan Cote, Sales Manager, DeepWater Buoyancy, Inc.(Biddeford, ME)
Dan Cote, Sales Manager, DeepWater Buoyancy, Inc.
“We are truly appreciative of MITC/DTEP support. We would not have been able to participate without this additional funding, and the show came at a perfect time when we have revenue from sales within Maine but are eager to continue to grow throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Maine was well-represented at the trade show, and we were all stronger through this collaborative show of force. MITC/DTEP support was a big reason for this. ”
Toby Ahrens, Founder, Diggables (Portland, ME)
Toby Ahrens, Founder, Diggables
“MITC consistently allows us to test new sales/marketing programming. The financial assistance is incredibly important and allows us to take chances on new ways to market our brand. We are very appreciative of the support from MITC.”
Craig Blake, Sales Manager-Grocery, Cape Seafood, LLC/Luke’s Lobster Seafood Company(Saco, ME)
Craig Blake, Sales Manager-Grocery, Cape Seafood, LLC/Luke’s Lobster Seafood Company
“MITC's support was instrumental in making our demonstration at the Modern Day Marine Expo successful. Their assistance enabled us to secure booth space and maximize our networking opportunities. Compotech is grateful for MITC's unwavering support in our mission to protect US soldiers, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”
Paul Melrose, President, Compotech, Inc.(Brewer, ME)
Paul Melrose, President, Compotech, Inc.
“Although the investment of these funds did not drive revenues, a strategic question has been addressed and, at least for now, settled. BLUET, as do other businesses, responsibly investigates as many marketing opportunities as resources allow. Determining which ones are force multipliers and which ones have high opportunity costs is the challenge. Given the results for our efforts here, we are moving away from further investment in social media as a direct driver of revenue and putting our resources into national wholesale expansion.”
Michael Terrien, Managing Partner, Blue Barn, LLC dba BLUET(Scarborough, ME)
Michael Terrien, Managing Partner, Blue Barn, LLC dba BLUET
“Thank you! We really appreciate the support of MITC through the Maine Domestic Trade Expansion Program!”
Erin Sastre, Marketing Coordinator, Wyman's (Milbridge, ME)
Erin Sastre, Marketing Coordinator, Wyman's
“This MITC grant gave us access to SPINS data for two of our product categories. Data and sales insights are powerful. With this grant-funded SPINs access, we are able to tell compelling data stories, have access to competitor performance, implement retailer specific sales support programs, and innovate ahead of the trend.”
Zoe Croft, Director of Sales, Atlantic Sea Farms(Biddeford, ME)
Zoe Croft, Director of Sales, Atlantic Sea Farms
“I really appreciated getting this assistance from MITC. A lot of grant money has been flowing around in the past few years due to COVID, but because my company grew during the pandemic I wasn't eligible. I am thrilled to have been able to exhibit at Seafood Expo North America (SENA) thanks to this money. I would not have done so without it, and the show opened up huge opportunities for me.”
Togue Brawn, Owner and Founder, Downeast Dayboat(Bath, ME)
“Your organization is helping grow our business. This research will strengthen our brand as we compete with hundreds of other companies. We're better positioned to win, and we're all very grateful for this generous grant.”
Mark Ozimek, VP Marketing & Innovation, Scott & Jon’s(Auburn, ME)
“This grant is crucial to our post-pandemic recovery efforts.”
Kate McAleer, Owner & CEO, Bixby & Co.(Rockland, ME)
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Growing Domestic Sales is a Smart Business Strategy

Building your business domestically through investing in market analysis, selection, and entry methods serves as a springboard for future success in international markets. In addition, market diversification that includes strong domestic sales will help your business weather times of global economic uncertainty.

DOMESTIC TRADE BUSINESS RESOURCES

Advancing Domestic Trade for Maine Businesses

Selling more of Maine’s goods and services within the US is a key recommendation of the 10-Year Economic Development Strategy. The initiative received $15M in funding through the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to promote economic growth and strengthen Maine’s business climate for startups. Domestic trade is good for Maine’s businesses and communities, often leading to indirect jobs and increased commerce. The skills honed with domestic trade activities can result in increased capacity for international trade.

Annual economic data on domestic trade illustrates the value of these initiatives. In this mid-term report of the domestic trade program, we are already seeing momentum for Maine’s businesses. Funding has resulted in increased sales, national exposure in television, social, and print media, and new wholesale agreements to cite just a few examples.

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