Go Global Initiative

Why has The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana formed the Go Global Initiative?  We are committed to helping local companies expand their business abroad through export education and assistance.  A key provision of the multifaceted Go Global Initiative is our strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service.  Read more about their Gold Key Service and The Chamber's Gold Key Grant Program below!  

The U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Key Service

•  Identifying potential international markets for your products
•  Appointments with pre-screened and pre-qualified importers, distributors, sales representatives or partners at locations around the world
•  A market and industry briefing with Commercial Service staff in advance of business meetings
•  Market background and information on a particular industry sector

The U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service offers a unique opportunity that opens doors for your business abroad. For companies seeking new sales markets overseas, the Gold Key Service includes:

•  Information and assistance with travel, accommodations, interpreter services, and other logistics
•  A U.S. Commercial Service escort to your meetings if requested
•  Post-meeting debriefing with trade experts to discuss results of your meetings, and assistance in developing appropriate follow-up strategies  

The Chamber’s Gold Key Grant Program

To encourage your company’s venture into finding new markets for locally produced products and services, The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana provides a Gold Key Grant Program*. This program allows Small or Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)** to receive a grant of up to $1,050 toward the purchase of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Gold Key Service. Your business qualifies for this program if:

•  You are a Chamber member in good standing;
•  You produce a product or service suitable for sale and export outside the continental U.S. (according to U.S. Department of Commerce guidelines);
•  You have been in business a minimum of six months; and
•  Your company’s headquarters or primary business location is located in The Chamber’s economic region.              

Who do I contact?

For more information about The Chamber’s Gold Key Grant Program, contact The Chamber at 812.425.8147.

* The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana will provide grants for up to $1,050 for the first five SMEs who purchase a Gold Key Service package provided by the United States Department of Commerce during calendar year 2011.
**A Small or Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) is defined as a firm with 500 or fewer employees or self-certified as a small business under SBA regulations.