SUSTA Outreach Calendar

SUSTA collaborates with our member states and other industry groups to offer educational seminars and company meetings to discuss how our programs can help small businesses export. The Market Access Program (MAP) Branded and Generic activities are two ways we can help make international trade more affordable and low-risk for food and agricultural companies. Now it is easier than ever to keep up with SUSTA's export seminars! Check out our listings for events near you this year: http://www.susta.org/services/outreach_events.html

MAP Branded Funding

Making New Year's resolutions? How about taking your business to a new market? Applications are still being accepted for 2011 MAP Branded funds. Expenses like advertising, traveling and exhibiting at international trade shows, changes to labels and packaging can qualify for up to 50% reimbursement. Go to www.susta.org to download the Pre-Qualification worksheet. Contact our office with questions at 504-568-5986.

Happy New Year's!

From the team at SUSTA- we would like to wish you a very happy and safe New Year! We have a ton of events and activities planned for 2011 - come see at www.susta.org!

NEW! 2011 Event Calendar

Visit www.susta.org to see the new 2011 Events Calendar. We hope that this calendar will be a useful planning tool for your company as you plan to venture into export markets in 2011. Please remember that you can visit our website at www.susta.org/events for all of the latest details on upcoming events and to register.

Flying Business Class

Q: I like to fly business class when I travel internationally. Can I be reimbursed for the cost of my business class airline ticket when traveling on an activity for which I will request Branded reimbursement?

A: When requesting reimbursement for travel to an international trade show or approved trade mission, travelers must fly on a U.S. carrier leaving from the states and returning to the states. Travelers will be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of a full fare coach/economy class ticket. Therefore, business or first class travelers must submit a quotation of the coach/economy class fare. The quote must be obtained around the same date the business or first class ticket was purchased. The quote cannot be submitted after the trip takes place.

Is an Unlisted Activity Reimbursable?

Q: I don't see my promotional activity on the list of eligible expenses at www.susta.org/services/map.html. Are these the only types of expenses that can be reimbursed?

A: The list of eligible expenses on SUSTA's website includes some of the promotional activities reimbursable under MAP Branded; however, there are others. If you are uncertain whether an activity is eligible, contact the Branded Department to determine whether you can receive reimbursement for a specific activity.

2009 Branded Application Opens August 1

The MAP Branded application for the 2009 program year (January 1-December 31) will become available starting August 1, 2008. Visit www.susta.org/services/map_application.html for more information about eligibility and application materials. Check back soon for more news about applying for international marketing funds for next year!