September 2024

The Chafee Center has a new home at the BELC!

This month marks an exciting new chapter for The Chafee Center as we relocate to The Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) at Bryant University! We are thrilled to be neighbors with the College of Business and to share this 250,000-square-foot facility with Graduate and Professional Education, student clubs, and administrative offices. We thank all the members of our Global Trade Committee for visiting our new home. Your insights, ideas, and dedication to supporting global trade are truly appreciated. We look forward to working with you to continue expanding global trade, and economic opportunities for all.

Certificate Program:

Essential Training for Global Growth

Gain hands-on experience in exporting fundamentals, from international market research and regulations to logistics, financing, and entry strategies for global markets. Complete 3 out of 4 engaging modules to earn a valuable continuing education unit and a digital badge, showcasing your expertise.

LEARN MORE

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

8am-10am

Module 1 - Introduction to Exporting

Instructor: Manuel Batlle

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

8am-10am

Module 3 - Export Documentation and Compliance

Instructor: Sandra Castro

Thursday, October 31, 2024

8am-10am

Module 2 - Developing an Export Marketing Plan

Instructor: Cecilia Pirotto, MBA, CGBP

Thursday, November 7, 2024

8am-10am

Module 4 - Export Financing and Payment Methods

Instructors: Joe Raycraft and Richard Foy

Grow Your Exports, Sales, Brand and Business For RI Exporters!

Join us for a thrilling webinar in collaboration with IBT Online. Gain invaluable insights and practical digital strategies for success in your target markets in 2024!

Upcoming Trade Mission to Montreal, Canada: Expanding Rhode Island’s Global Reach

We are excited to lead a trade mission to Montreal, Canada, from October 20-23, where Rhode Island’s manufacturers and service providers will have the unique opportunity to have face-to-face meetings with key buyers, distributors, and potential partners. The selected companies include Hideaway Solutions LLC, Ambilabs, Baby Delight Inc, Feeney IP Law, and Little Maven Lemonade!

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grants Updates

Here are a few updates:

Limited funding: First come-first serve
Maximum reimbursement per grant cycle
Up to $15,000 or 10 projects per grant cycle
Maximum reimbursement per activity is now $5,000 or less

INFORMATION WEBINAR: October 17th

"Ask Me Anything" with Ben Weinstein

Ben Weistein, director of the STEP Grant, will be hosting an "Ask Me Anything" Zoom call on the 2nd Wednesday of every month to answer your questions about the STEP Grant.

Summer Recap

Trade Mission to the U.K.

We had an amazing time in London, UK, where experts in the offshore wind sector shared the latest advancements in wind energy from an industry perspective. The presentations highlighted their successes and challenges and left us with an overall optimistic impression of this sector of the economy. Thank you to the following Rhode Island businesses for participating: Waterson Terminal Services, MEET, Feeney IP Law, Regent, and Moran Shipping.

H20 Conference

This June, we attended the prestigious H2O Conference, Canada's premier event for the marine technology sector. This event brought together innovators, industry leaders, and researchers worldwide. Thank you to Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia, the Government of Canada, the Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia (OTCNS), and COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship) for hosting us! Also, thank you to the following businesses for joining us: BlueIQ, Deep Blue Composites, Senesco Marine, and Marine Acoustics.

Upward and Onward!

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Cecilia Pirotto to the role of Associate Director of International Trade Development. In her new role, Cecilia will lead efforts to expand our international trade initiatives and foster new global opportunities.