The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that the Business Network for Offshore Wind is a recipient of its Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) grant, the U.S. government's most successful export assistance program. The Network will use the grant to launch its Global Gateway program, which will facilitate connecting U.S.-based companies to the global offshore wind marketplace and supply chain by organizing delegation trips to tradeshows and conferences in key markets in Europe, Asia, and South America.  

Through international introductions created by the Network's Global Gateway program, U.S. companies will have the opportunity to create partnerships, conduct business, and grow the U.S. export of goods and services. Global Gateway will officially launch in 2022 and is open to any company currently in or wanting to expand into the offshore wind energy industry.    

"For almost a decade, the Business Network has built strong relationships within the global offshore wind market. We are honored the Department of Commerce recognizes the important role the Network can play in expanding America's presence within the global offshore wind market," said Liz Burdock, president of the Business Network for Offshore Wind, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the offshore wind industry in the U.S. "Participating companies in the Global Gateway program will benefit from our knowledge and international connections to accelerate exporting their products and services on a global scale." 

The Department of Commerce grant gives U.S. companies the opportunity to compete in international markets, an important step in ensuring the offshore wind industry has a place in the U.S. The MDCP grant establishes a partnership between the International Trade Association and nonprofit industry groups like trade associations and standard-developing organizations, to pursue innovative projects that address trade barriers, enhance industry competitiveness, and generate exports that create or sustain thousands of U.S. jobs. The average MDCP project generates nearly $100 million in exports.

"Congratulations to the Business Network for Offshore Wind on this prestigious award. We are pleased to build a partnership with this impactful nonprofit corporation," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. "Its work in assisting American offshore wind companies reach international markets and helping these companies become a part of the global offshore wind supply chain is needed to maintain America's competitive edge."  

The U.S. is the fourth largest growing offshore wind market behind China, the United Kingdom, and Germany. U.S. manufacturers now have a unique opportunity to meet growing global demand by providing the latest generation of offshore wind technologies and will, therefore, be able to compete with European, Asian, and local companies in target markets. Global Gateway is the ideal program for U.S. companies to facilitate international connections and build on their knowledge of the global offshore wind market and supply chain.  

Business Network for Offshore Wind | offshorewindus.org