The US Patent and Trademark Office provides a complimentary service known as “Commerce Connect” to assist firms to connect with federal, state, local and nonprofit resources. The effort is designed to cut through red tape and simplify access to services and resources that can help companies grow, create jobs and become more efficient.
Trained CommerceConnect specialists can assess clients’ business needs – whether it’s access to capital, intellectual property protection, export promotion or guidance on how to make operations more efficient – and refer them to appropriate resources.
Last September, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the opening of a permanent CommerceConnect office in Pontiac, Mich., after a successful pilot program that served more than 90 companies and provided more than 300 referrals to 9 different Commerce bureaus and 13 other Federal, state, local and non-profit partners throughout the region.
Since the launch of the pilot program, the CommerceConnect network is expanding to include not only a Michigan field office but also a growing contingent of cross-trained specialists in U.S. Department of Commerce field offices across the country, as well as a national call center and web portal. Last month, the Commerce Department announced CommerceConnect’s expansion into Philadelphia, the first city outside Michigan to have access to the program’s business assistance resources.
The CommerceConnect network includes a national call center, a web portal, a Michigan field office, a Gulf Coast regional partnership, and cross-trained specialists in U.S. Department of Commerce field offices across the country. CommerceConnect helps businesses succeed by:
- Assessing company needs
- Identifying opportunities for business growth
- Introducing firms to federal, state, local and nonprofit business assistance programs
- Leveraging established partner relationships
- Helping businesses reach their goals
CommerceConnect refers firms to business assistance experts in several areas including:
- Advanced Materials and Standards
- Business and Trade Research Data
- Business Plan Development
- Cost Identification and Control
- Export Assistance
- Import Assistance
- Financing Options
- Government Procurement
- Intellectual Property Protection
- Market Diversification
- Research and Innovation Grants
- Tax Credits
- University Technical Assistance
- Worker Training
The CommerceConnect Difference
CommerceConnect offers a comprehensive portfolio of federal, state, local and nonprofit business assistance resources including more than 70 U.S. Department of Commerce programs – many at no cost to U.S. entrepreneurs and businesses. CommerceConnect is where business, resources, and opportunities connect for industry growth and job creation.
To learn more about CommerceConnect contact 1-888-728-4190 or www.CommerceConnect.gov.
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