CONCORD, NH -- Collaboration between UPS and three other agencies will help New Hampshire businesses expand their global markets.

Joined by the US Department of Commerce, the Granite State District Export Council and the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, UPS is contributing to the Export Expansion Fund. The money will be distributed via grants to companies within the state to help them determine where in the world there is demand for their products and services.

"Exports equal economic development and jobs," said Grace Preston, chairman of the Granite State District Export Council. "When we consider that 95 percent of the world's consumer market is outside of the US, our companies, manufacturers, services and educational institutions should be tapping into that."

Over the past two years, the federal State Trade and Export Promotion grant program has helped scores of New Hampshire businesses expand into markets worldwide. To keep the momentum, UPS, which moves about 2 percent of the planet's GDP, joined in the partnership.

"UPS is a global logistics carrier, so we have experience and knowledge when it comes to exporting and reaching world markets," said Don Harden, director of business and economic development for UPS. "We are excited about this program because we believe we can bring the resources that will help businesses grow."

The $15,000 fund is available to all New Hampshire businesses, with a concentration on manufacturing companies with fewer than 1,500 employees in their New Hampshire locations.

The money can be used for programs offered by US Commercial Service, including, but not limited to, Gold Key, International Partner Searches, International Company Profiles and Business Facilitation Services.

The Granite State District Export Council will administer the program and the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center will be the coordinating agency. The indirect grants are capped at $1,000.

"By establishing this fund, we are able to continue the export momentum we've seen here in New Hampshire over the past two years," said Tina Kasim, program manager of the International Trade Resource Center. "Every company we've worked with, we are impressed with the quality and innovation that can be found right here and with this program, we can continue helping businesses find new markets around the world."

For more information on the Export Expansion Fund, visit www.ExportNH.org or call 603-271-8444.