State commerce officials have launched a program to connect Maryland companies with international markets.

The state’s Soft Landing Exchange Program, announced Monday, was designed to connect companies with overseas business incubators and accelerators at reduced costs, officials said.

Maryland was the 26th largest state exporter last year, with goods valued at more than $18 billion, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Exports from Maryland supported an estimated 54,000 jobs in 2021, the latest year job statistics were available, the trade office said.

Gov. Wes Moore said the program aims to help the state’s small businesses grow. The state Department of Commerce-run program is designed for companies that want to expand existing export capabilities.

“Not only will this help those businesses, but it will boost Maryland’s competitiveness by showing the world what we have to offer,” the Democratic governor said in an announcement.

Participants can tap into a network of organizations in strategic markets around the world that will host the companies in their facilities and offer access to resources, advisors, networking and other assistance. As long as funding remains available, the program has no cap on the number of participating companies.

Among partner groups are Cicada Innovations, a tech incubator in Australia; EuraTechnologies in France, which bills itself as one of Europe’s largest startup incubators; and Kanagawa Science Park, a research and development business park outside Tokyo.

Other partners are located in Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Maryland companies that participate can also apply for grants of up to $10,000 to offset travel, lodging, transportation and other program costs.

To be eligible, companies must have operations in Maryland, be in existence for at least a year and have plans for an international business initiative. They also need to be in good standing with the state Department of Assessments and Taxation. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

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