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•  Montgomery County, Maryland, is a gateway to international business and an ideal location for international companies.  The County’s strategic location next to Washington, DC, provides businesses with direct access to federal agencies, international organizations and embassies.
• The Department of Economic Development’s international mission is to attract foreign direct investments, while assisting Montgomery County companies to increase exports.
• Montgomery County has an office in Rotterdam.

  Export Assistance to Montgomery County Companies
  Assistance to International Companies wanting to Locate in Montgomery County
  International Community Resources:  the world lives in Montgomery County
  Your International Contacts in Montgomery County
  
  

·  Programs at the local, state and federal level encourage businesses to export abroad. 

     Export Montgomery 

Maryland Exporthttp://www.choosemaryland.org/international/export/index.asp

Federal Resources for Export:  http://www.choosemaryland.org/international/useful_links.asp

Companies can conveniently meet with a representative from the U.S. Department of Commerce at the Montgomery County Executive Office Building (101 Monroe Street, 15th floor) or arrange for a meeting with a state or federal export representative at their own location.

Export Montgomery

· The County provides a $5,000 grant to companies working on exporting their goods and services abroad. Funds may be used for attending trade shows and translation of documents.   Only recipients of the Export Maryland grant that have a letter of good standing form the Office of International Business (OIB), Department of Business and Economic Development are eligible for Export Montgomery Grants.

·   To apply, please submit OIB letter of good standing, company profile and a brief foreign marketing plan.

· Grants require a one-to-one match

·   Restrictions apply.

• Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (DED) provides locational assistance to foreign enterprises wishing to establish or expand an operation in Montgomery County, Maryland. With over 100 foreign affiliates currently located in Montgomery County and 500 in the State of Maryland, we are confident that our County has a great deal to offer in terms of a strong pro-business attitude and an excellent quality of life.
• Sites and Building Assistance: DED works directly with the company, real estate developers and agents to identify the best possible sites which meet the company particular requirements.
  
• Incentives: DED works hand in hand with the company and outside bankers and our own internal finance professionals to coordinate and package the highest level of financial incentives. These incentives can include direct financing, training, tax credits and technical assistance.
• Fast track permitting Assistance: DED assists companies by expediting the permit process.
• Referrals: DED identifies local attorneys, accountants and banks with expertise in areas such as immigration, incorporation or financial services that will team up with the company to expedite the establishment of the corporate office.
• Cultural: DED provides information about international schools, community and cultural organizations to help relocated employees enjoy their new areas to the fullest. Link to International Community resources.
• On-Going Assistance: Once the foreign company has located in Montgomery County, DED maintains open communication in order to enhance the operation’s competitiveness and growth. DED will coordinate programs available for resident businesses, such as additional training, financing, exporting, marketing and technical assistance.

For further information, please contact: 

Bernadette G. Musselwhite
Business Development Specialist
Tel.: (240) 777-2045
Email: bernadette.musselwhite@montgomerycountymd.gov

Shelly Linkerhof
European Representative
Email: scrabtree@maryland-usa.com

• Montgomery County hosts a vibrant international community of international scientists working at federal laboratories, officials from international organizations and embassies and a diverse immigrant population. 
• More than one hundred foreign owned businesses operate in Montgomery County.
• Some examples are BAE Systems, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, and  Thales Communications.   
• The County is proud of its schools and churches of many languages and religions.  County public schools cater to students from 130 different language backgrounds.Some offer international baccalaureate programs.
  
  For further info on schools: http://www4.mcps.k12.md.us/schools.html