Oregon Trade Promotion Program

Entering new markets

Participating in international trade shows and trade missions is among the most effective ways for companies to enter into new international markets or expand their visibility in existing markets. Trade shows offer the opportunity to meet potential buyers, test market interest and evaluate the competition. A trade mission can be a cost effective way to meet potential distributors and buyers, secure licensing agreements and explore joint venture opportunities.

Receive financial assistance

The state of Oregon offers financial assistance to Oregon companies who wish to take advantage of international trade shows and trade missions to enter new markets or expand existing ones. Through the Oregon Trade Promotion Program (OTPP), Business Oregon will reimburse up to 50 percent of a company's eligible expenses up to $2,500 per pre-approved strategic event (maximum reimbursable amount may vary depending on budget for specific event). Eligible expenditures may include:

Trade shows

• Booth space rental
• Booth construction at trade show site
• Booth equipment and/or furniture rental
• Booth utility costs
• Freight costs of equipment and/or exhibit materials to and from trade show
• Interpreter/translation fees
• Per diem (lodging and meals, based on U.S. Department of State per diem for the locality) for one employee or agent for the duration of the event plus travel time, up to one day before and one day after the actual event.

Trade missions

• Participation fees for trade missions sponsored by Business Oregon
• Per diem for one employee or agent for the duration of the event (based on U.S. Department of State per diem for the locality)

Eligibility requirements

• To be eligible to participate in the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Employ fewer than 500 individuals
• At least 75% of applicant's total number of employees must be located within Oregon
• Exhibit services or samples of Oregon manufactured, processed or value added products in conjunction with an international trade show or trade mission
• Commit at least one full-time employee or sales agent for participation in the event

Program funds limited to the following

• Three trade events per state fiscal biennium
• Participation in the same trade show not allowed in consecutive years
• Participation in the same trade show a maximum of two times
• One trade show in a specific country per state fiscal year

When to Apply

Applications for the OTPP must be submitted in advance of the event to allow ample time for application review and contract preparation. Successful applicants will be selected based on the criteria of fund availability and if the trade show (or mission) fits within the state's priority business clusters. Priority business clusters for export potential include:

• electronics and advanced materials
• information technologies
• medical equipment
• metals
• apparel and sporting goods
• secondary wood products
• logistics and distribution
• environmental technologies
• renewable energy
• green building services
• food processing equipment
• business services
• transportation equipment

How to Apply

1. Obtain an Export Readiness score by completing export.gov's online Export Questionnaire.
2. Complete an online OTPP application.