Local brewing companies @Baronscourtbrew and @MuffLiquorCo are encouraging other local firms to explore US trade&export opportunities after a recent successful trip to Philadelphia as part of an #IrelandNorthWest delegation
Led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, the Ireland North West Trade Mission is part of the ‘Gateway to Growth International Export Programme’, which is financed by The Executive Office and the Irish Government.
The trip aims to link local businesses to potential markets in the North East of the United States and offers the chance to learn from established enterprises in similar industry fields, as well as making connections with potential investors and customers.
Local companies have until September 6th to submit their expression of interest and help is at hand to guide applicants through the process, with expert advice on offer both before and after the trade mission.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, will be among the delegates travelling to the US along with her counterpart in Donegal County Council An Cathaoirleach Nicholas Crossan, senior Council advisors and local businesses.
Councillor Boyle said it was a fantastic opportunity for any local enterprise with aspirations to tap into new markets.
“The North West has established an extensive network of contacts over the years in both Philadelphia and Boston based on our historic and cultural ties and shared business interests.
“The trip offers the chance to network and carry out market research in a business friendly environment.
“Both Councils and our partners have been working strongly in collaboration to profile the North West City Region internationally, and we have seen an increase in the level of interest from businesses in the UK, US and China.
“Trade Missions help us to reaffirm these connections and to showcase the high quality goods and services which are unique to the North West and strengthen our proposition when competing in global markets.”
Head of Business with Derry and Strabane Council, Kevin O’Connor, explained that one of the aims is to facilitate entry for small and medium enterprises who have the ambition and the capacity to enter wider markets.
“We will be helping a range of local businesses assess their readiness to export and gear up to target new opportunities in export markets.
“Previous trade missions in the past number of years have been hugely successful in assisting indigenous companies to do business further afield.
“We are hoping that other companies will now see the benefits and sign up to be part of this year’s delegation.
“Support is available before and after the trip from the business and investment teams of both councils who are on hand to advise and help tailor the trip to meet the individual needs of local companies.”
The final deadline for applications is the 6th September.
To submit an expression of interest or to find out more please contact Laverne O’Donnell at laverne.odonnell@derrystrabane.com
