In Spring 2011, A2IM, in conjunction with the Empire State Development/NYS Department of Economic Development, applied for a Federal Small Business Association STEP (State Trade and Export Program) Grant. A2IM is thrilled to announce that the grant proposal was successful.
The NYS SBA STEP Grant is a Federally funded grant program whose goal is to increase exports to China and South Korea, for New York State Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SME).
Beginning in October 2011 and continuing for one year, A2IM will join with other New York based SME’s, including the fashion and wine industries, in this program and as the NY State allocation of support function dollars has not yet been finalized we do not yet have the music industry funding dollar total. The Inbound portion will begin with a Project Launch and informational session scheduled for Tuesday October 25th 10:30AM -12:30P @ The Empire State Development.
Empire State Development Offices
633 Third Avenue, 37th floor Conference Room
New York, NY 10017
Between 40th & 41St Streets.
To Attend, you must RSVP to Jim Mahoney (Jim.mahoney@a2im.org)
A2IM has approximately 85 label members and 65 AMPS associate members who can apply to participate in this program with label members having priority. A2IM members are spread out across the United States and although this particular grant “win” will not benefit all of our members, we anticipate building on the success of this program when applying for future, more far reaching grants.
*Key program dates*:
October 25 – Kick-off meeting in NYC to brief A2IM members on the opportunity. A live stream video of this event will be available for those Non-NYC potential participants.
February 28-March 12 – Outbound – Trade Mission with US Commerce and NY State Economic Development support/organization to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Seoul (maximum 20 participants). Total cost of trip is estimated at $8,700 for flights, ground transportation, hotels and meals, A2IM participants pay a maximum of $2,000/ per participant, with the STEP funding paying the balance.
June 13-18 – Inbound – Asian companies visit NYS, four cities, to promote non-music industries as well.
More information will be shared at the October 25th Kick-off/Informational meeting, *details forthcoming*.
For those attending CMJ 2011, A2IM’s President Rich Bengloff will moderate a panel discussion government funding which will include information about this recently awarded Federal STEP Grant and will include how A2IM members can participate.
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Tags: Empire State Development, NYS Department of Economic Development, SBA, SME, Step Grant, Trade Mission
