AUGUSTA – Grants are available to help with businesses interested in going on the October governor’s trade mission to France.

The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership is offering $1,000 grants for eligible trade mission participants. Applicants must be Maine manufacturers or processors and must have fewer than 500 full-time employees to be eligible. Upon MEP’s authorization, applicants will be notified and billed the balance of the trade mission amount. Companies qualify for this grant only if they pay for the trade mission in full and participate in the trade mission. Up to 10 grants will be awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Forum Francophone des Affaires-USA is offering $1,000 grants for eligible trade mission participants. Applicants must be Maine small businesses and with fewer than 500 full time employees to be eligible. The funds must be used to defray the cost of match-making services in France. Upon FFA authorization, applicants will be notified and billed the balance of the trade mission amount. Companies qualify for this grant only if they pay for the trade mission in full and participate in the trade mission. There are a limited number of these grants available.

Both grant applications are available at: http://www.mitc.com/Features/FranceTradeMission_files/FranceTradeMissionGrants.html. Information about the mission, itinerary and its costs are available there, or by calling Cory Crocker at 207-541-7418 or [email protected]. Registration deadline is Aug. 30. Applications must be no longer than one page.