JPMorgan Chase announces $150,000 grant to PEI to support the Export Explore and Export Challenge programs

PHOENIX (May 11, 2017) – Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton joined Curtis Reed of JPMorgan Chase and other members of the Metro Phoenix Export Alliance (MPEXA) to announce new export assistance programs, which will be administered by the nonprofit organization, Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI). Curtis Reed also announced that JPMorgan Chase has provided a $150,000 grant to support PEI’s implementation of the Greater Phoenix Export Plan, including these two new programs– Export Explore and Export Challenge. Both programs will debut this year, offering training and support for more than two dozen small- and medium-sized companies in Greater Phoenix that are seeking to enhance their exporting capabilities.

The first program, Export Explore (known as E2) will start receiving applications for the program today, which will provide small- and medium-sized companies export training. Up to 20 companies will be eligible for funds under the E2 program and will receive export training and one-on-one consulting services through a four-week Export Development Workshop Series to take place this July.

“JPMorgan Chase is proud to support PEI’s efforts to provide these programs to help small- and medium-sized companies in Greater Phoenix expand their business potential outside the state,” said Curtis Reed, Region Manager for the Arizona Middle Market. “These programs and increased exports can catalyze economic development and job creation.”

Additionally, later this fall the Export Challenge program will launch, offering 10 companies the opportunity to participate in a pitch competition where companies can present their business plan to win a top prize valued at $25,000. Second and third place will receive $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. Award monies will support companies’ future export-related business expenses.

“Our export economy now supports more than 100,000 jobs from Mexico alone, but its potential is far greater,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “These new programs are a welcome and highly worthwhile investment. Export- related industries on average employ better-educated and better-paid workers, so the more we can do to help our companies find new markets across the border and overseas, the more we are helping to grow and strengthen our regional economy.”

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The Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI) is a passionate collective of community, business and opinion leaders, dedicated to the mission of fulfilling the economic opportunities of Greater Phoenix. The intent of PEI is to present a vision, identify opportunities for action, and guide resources for producing real solutions. The success of PEI is measured by the advancement of our economic presence, beyond being a more competitive region and toward being recognized as a world-class economy. For more information about PEI, visit www.azpei.org.

About MPEXA

Through participation in the Global Cities Initiative: A Joint Project of Brookings and JPMorgan Chase, Greater Phoenix developed an Export Plan to increase exports. The Metro Phoenix Export Alliance (MPEXA) was formed to oversee and support the implementation of this plan. MPEXA is a public-private partnership consisting of C-level executives and university experts along with key regional and state leaders. MPEXA is an affiliate of the Partnership for Economic Innovation.