Welcome to the Kentucky Export Initiative site. You have come to the right place for assistance with your global exploration. The Kentucky Export Initiative was created to bring together agencies and organizations in Kentucky that help facilitate international trade opportunities for Kentucky exporters. Our goal is simple - to increase Kentucky exports, which will lead to new Kentucky jobs and create diversified markets for Kentucky products.

The Commonwealth has a long tradition of excellence in its goods and services. We are proud to share our products and our hard work with the world. Kentucky’s exporters range from small to large, from experienced to novice. Each of them helps to ensure a strong future for our great state by bringing the innovation, quality and uniqueness of Kentucky products to the global marketplace.

Did you know that small and medium-sized firms make up 90 percent of Kentucky’s exporters and that most of these companies have fewer than 20 employees? Studies show that exporting companies grow twice as fast and are able to pay higher wages than those that don’t export. Fifteen percent of Kentucky’s manufacturing jobs are supported by exports.

Members of the Kentucky Export Initiative work to raise awareness, provide training, identify potential markets and connect companies from across the state with the people, events and opportunities that can help them grow. We’re especially pleased to partner with the Appalachian Regional Commission on this initiative, which has provided a generous grant to fund our outreach in our Appalachian counties.

By connecting international distributors, buyers and clients with Kentucky companies, the Kentucky Export Initiative can help to create long-lasting, prosperous trade ties between Kentucky and the global marketplace.

I encourage you to consider beginning or expanding exporting activity in your business. Talk with the members of the Kentucky Export Initiative. Let them help you introduce the world to your business.

Sincerely,

Steven L. Beshear