Marketing Assistance Program

SmartPort is Kansas City’s economic development organization that works to increase the volume of international trade in the Kansas City region. Kansas City has a significant trade relationship with Mexico and Central America, but SmartPort feels these trade relationships have the ability to grow immensely.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has granted Kansas City SmartPort with funds to develop tools and events focused on education, promotion and hands on market experience for companies in the KC region who are interested in starting or increasing exports to Mexico and Central America.

A significant project to the Kansas City region is the development of the Mexican customs inspection facility in the Kansas City region that will allow exports to be inspected and cleared here in Kansas City thus saving time and money by avoiding the delays and congestion at the U.S. Mexican border.

Mexico is the 2nd largest export market for both Missouri and Kansas. Missouri exports to Mexico totaled $1 billion in 2005, which represents 11% of total exports from Missouri. Kansas exports to Mexico totaled $853 million in 2005, making up 13% of total exports in Kansas. Exports to Central America from Kansas and Missouri totaled $109 million in 2005.

Specific Uses for Funds

• Trade show support program
• Build strategic business relationships with port cities and operators
• Establish education tools to assist MO and KS companies to learn about export opportunities in Mexico and Central America
• Plan & implement trade shows and trade missions into Mexico and Central America for Kansas and Missouri companies
• Promote Mexican Customs Facility in Kansas City

Regional Company Involvement

Kansas and Missouri companies will be interested to know that with the DOC funds, SmartPort has created a program to help companies with travel and marketing expenses for those doing business with Mexico or Central American countries.

Specific Activities for Participation

• Trade show participation in Mexico and Central America
• Trade mission to Mexico and Central America
• Promotional trips within the Midwest to promote Mexican Customs facility in KC

Paperwork to Participate in Marketing Assistance Program

• Program Brochure
• Program Guidelines
• Program Application

Please return application at least two weeks before you leave for your travels.  Send completed application to Larin Payne.