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Export Indiana Accelerator Program (EIAP)

Assists small businesses with preparing an executable export business plan.

EXPORT INDIANA ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

The Export Indiana Accelerator is a 12-week, no-cost, annual program offering Hoosier small businesses professional export guidance and leading research resources to create an executable, proactive Export Business Plan.

This program is available to both new and existing exporters. Businesses will leave the program with a strategic approach on where to best position their product in the world marketplace to grow international sales, and an executable plan to make it happen.

Participating companies receive more than $10,000 in services, including:

Professional guidance from SBA export-certified, Indiana SBDC advisors
The latest foreign market intelligence and business management training.
Identification of specific markets for export development.
Export expertise from government, legal, financial, and logistics professionals
Advising on foreign market finance, tax, tariff, logistical, and regulatory issues
Networking with local, state, and federal export officials
Funding available for trade shows (IN-STEP), export interns, and more

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, small businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be or become an Indiana SBDC client
  • Commit to participating in entire program
  • Attend the 3 required cohort meetings (kickoff, resource partner and exit presentations)
  • Must not have previously participated in the program

Apply Now

2024 Application & Program Timeline

  • January 29: Application Opens
  • March 15: Applications Due
  • Early April: Applicants Notified
  • May 15: Program Kickoff
  • June 18: Joint Resource Partner Meeting
  • August 7: Finale Presentations & Reception

FAQ

  • How Much Does It Cost To Participate?

    EIAP, valued at $10,000, is made available at no-cost to Hoosier small businesses with funding support from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

  • What Content Will Be Covered in the Accelerator?

    During the 12 week accelerator, participants will learn about export readiness, market research and identification, benchmarking, foreign market assessment, market penetration techniques, creating an export team, compliance, strategy, and more. Participants will leave the program with an executable Export Business Plan.

  • What Is the Time Commitment To Participate in EIAP?

    Participants can expect to spend 4-6 hours a week meeting with the Export Specialty Advisor and developing their Export Business Plan throughout the program. In addition to weekly meetings with an advisor, participants are required to attend 3 full cohort meetings.

  • What Should I Highlight in My Application?

    Competitive applicants will lack a defined and effective exporting process, are poised to grow their business through exporting, and are committed to starting or expanding export sales.

    Competitive applicants will also:

    • Have a functioning website
    • Have a clear understanding of competitive advantages (elevator pitch)
    • Have support for export development from top management
  • What if I Have No Experience in Exporting?

    While a general knowledge of exporting can be helpful, EIAP is for both new and existing exporters who lack a defined and effective exporting process.

  • Can All of My Employees Go Through the Accelerator?

    Businesses can assign up to two participants to go through EIAP. Participants are not required to have any existing knowledge of exporting. If the business would like to hire an intern to be one of their participants, matching funds through the IU CIBER’s Internship Hiring Program may be available.

  • Is Funding Available To Internationalize My Business?

    Depending on your activities, there is funding available through multiple resource partner programs to help offset the cost of certain international trade activities. Our team of Export Business Advisors can help determine if you qualify for assistance.

Questions

Contact the Indiana SBDC at 888.472.3244 or the regional office near you