Belmont University receives grant from U.S. Small Business Administration for Tennessee Export Initiative

The Tennessee Export Initiative of Belmont University's Thomas W. Beasley Center for Free Enterprise has received a $100,000 grant to increase the amount of international trade opportunities that can be found within the state of Tennessee. The grant comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration and its State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which helps small businesses grow into international ventures.

According to an article on Belmont University’s website, Paul Bonovich, who serves as the chair of the Tennessee District Export Council, which is a nonprofit organization consisting of individuals involved with international businesses, was quoted as saying of the university’s capacity to help make a difference in these endeavors, “The TN District Export Council recognizes the leadership of Belmont University to administer this program for the benefit of small businesses throughout the State of Tennessee – including businesses in underserved communities. TDEC is excited about its collaboration with Belmont University and its other international partners throughout the state – including the US Department of Commerce, the Small Business Development Centers, and chambers of commerce around the state.”

STEP makes matching funding gifts to small businesses in order to help them expand into international markets. Since its founding in 2010, the program has assisted more than 13,000 small businesses. The program is administered via the Thomas W. Beasley Center for Free Enterprise within the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University.

Dr. Jeff Overby, who is both the director of the Tennessee Export Initiative and a professor of international business and marketing at Belmont University, said, "This is an exciting opportunity both for small businesses throughout the state of Tennessee and for Belmont University. These grants have the potential to propel many small, entrepreneurial Tennessee companies into global trade at a time when international markets are driving growth around the world. We expect this initiative to draw on faculty expertise and engage Belmont students through internships, case studies and international trade education. We are proud to administer these funds to help Tennessee small businesses thrive." 

For more information about Belmont University, visit the school’s website.