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 available to support Maine businesses engaged in one of the following three sectors:

Aerospace & Defense

Food & Beverage

Offshore Wind & Renewables

Last year, 20 Maine small businesses in 10 counties completed projects using DTEP funding with more than $6.6 million in projected sales for the next 12-18 months.

“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
“Great support from MITC to help Maine companies reach goals in the Renewable Energy Markets. Thank you.”
Dan Cote, Sales Manager, DeepWater Buoyancy, Inc.(Biddeford, ME)
Dan Cote, Sales Manager, DeepWater Buoyancy, Inc.
“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