Kentucky receiving funding to help small businesses with exporting

Kentucky is receiving a $300,000 State Trade Export Promotion grant to foster international trade among the state's small businesses.

Gov. Steve Beshear's office says the program's goals include increasing the number of small businesses that begin to export and increasing the value of exports for small businesses that currently export.

Kentucky received a $276,000 grant through the program in 2012 and $427,000 during the first round in 2011.

The funds help make it more affordable for small businesses to participate in international trade missions, sales trips and subscription services provided by the U.S. Commerce Department. The money also helps with international marketing campaigns, export trade show exhibits, training workshops or other export initiatives.