Fund Your Next International Market Entry
The SITA Export Marketing Cost Share Grant Programme offers direct financial support to help Surinamese companies break into new international markets or grow in existing ones through product upgrades or diversification.
Fund Your Next International Market Entry
The SITA Export Marketing Cost Share Grant Programme offers direct financial support to help Surinamese companies break into new international markets or grow in existing ones through product upgrades or diversification. This Grant is a cost-sharing mechanism that reimburses a significant percentage of essential export marketing activities, accelerating your export growth strategy.
Grant Overview
SITA supports the key activities that drive successful market entry or expansion. You can apply for one grant that covers multiple categories, each with its own funding limit.
| Activity Area | Max Grant Amount (USD) | SITA Contribution (Max % of Eligible Costs) |
|---|---|---|
| B2B Travel Support (Tickets, Hotels, Taxis) | $3,000 | 50% |
| Trade Fair Attendance (Entry, Stand Hire/Build, Samples) | $30,000 | 75% |
| Testing & Certification of Products | $25,000 | 90% |
| Marketing Materials (Design, Brochures, Website, Packaging) | $10,000 | 50% |
| Sending Samples/Trial Orders (Cost of Samples & Courier) | $2,000 | 50% |
| E-commerce (Annual subscription to B2B/B2C platforms) | $1,000 | 90% |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Export Marketing Cost Share Grant Programme, your company must meet all the following mandatory criteria:
Sector: Formally established and operating in non-extractive industries (excluding all mining, oil and gas, and round log producers).
Registration: Registered at the Suriname Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Scale: Must be an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise).
License: Have a valid business license (if legally required).
Plan: Have an existing approved Export Marketing Plan.
Location: Formally established and operating in Suriname.
The application is an open-ended call with no set deadline. It requires a detailed submission demonstrating a clear strategy and readiness to utilize the grant funds effectively. See below the application form to apply.
Application Forms (The Submission)
Qualified companies must complete the following forms and submit them via the link below.
Company Information Form: General details, export history, and business metrics.
Grant Details Form: The specific grant area(s) you are applying for and the cost breakdowns (budget/quotes).
Mandatory Checklists (See below): Detailed attachments and evidence of preparation.
Mandatory Checklists (The Evidence of Readiness)
Your application must include a copy of your Export Marketing Strategy. Click here to see a suggested outline. and address the requirements of the following three checklists. These documents are critical for assessment and will determine your eligibility for specific activities:
| Checklist | Purpose | Key Requirement |
| Understanding of Target Market | Show you know your market | Attach your Export Marketing Plan with insights on market size, regulations (tariffs, safety/SPS), compliance, and drivers |
| Export Marketing Strategy | Define your goals | Include target export sales, USPs, route-to-market, and a step-by-step cost/result matrix. Note: If you do not have an Export Marketing Strategy, please contact SITA for more information. |
| List of Potential Buyers | Show demand exists | Provide a list of at least 10 potential buyers in your target market, including their contact details, and evidence that they buy the type of product/service you offer. |
This is a reimbursement grant: you pay first, then get reimbursed.
SITA will confirm acceptance of the grant within 10 days of receiving the application.
You contract the supplier and pay for the service.
The Nationale Ontwikkelingsbank (NOB) will reimburse the company the agreed grant amount within 2 weeks of receiving the supplier receipt and proof of payment.
- Advance Payments: For approved grants for Trade Fair Attendance or Product Testing/Certification, a company may apply for up to 50% of the full grant amount in advance against a pro-forma invoice from an approved supplier
A Cost-Sharing Mechanism
That Accelerates Your Export Growth
This Grant is a reimbursement program that covers a significant percentage of essential export marketing activities, helping you expand into global markets with reduced financial risk.
Substantial Co-Financing
SITA reimburses between 50% to 90% of eligible costs depending on the activity, significantly reducing your financial burden.
Up to $71,000 Total
Apply for one grant covering multiple categories, each with its own funding limit, for comprehensive export support.
Days to Approval
SITA confirms grant acceptance within 10 days of receiving your application, allowing you to move quickly.
What Does the Grant Cover?
SITA supports the key activities that drive successful market entry or expansion.
You can apply for one grant that covers multiple categories, each with its own funding limit.
B2B Travel Support
Connect with international buyers face-to-face
SITA covers
Maximum Grant
Airline tickets, hotel costs, and transportation to meet potential buyers
Trade Fair Attendance
Showcase your products at international exhibitions
SITA covers
Maximum Grant
Entry fees, stand hire, stand build, and sample delivery
Testing & Certification
Meet international quality and compliance standards
SITA covers
Maximum Grant
Laboratory tests, certification from accredited bodies, and pre-audit consultancy
Marketing Materials
Professional branding for global markets
SITA covers
Maximum Grant
Brochures, catalogues, website design, packaging, and translations
Sending Samples
De-risk buyer acquisition with trial orders
SITA covers
Maximum Grant
Sample costs, courier fees, and refrigerated shipping
E-commerce Platforms
Access global B2B and B2C marketplaces
SITA covers
Maximum Grant
Annual subscriptions to platforms like Amazon, Alibaba, and others
How to Apply?
The application requires a detailed submission demonstrating a clear strategy and readiness to utilize the grant funds effectively.
Application Forms
Complete these forms to submit your application
Required Documentation
Evidence of preparation and market readiness
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Export Marketing Cost Share Grant Programme, your company must meet all of the following mandatory criteria:
- Formally established and operating in non-extractive industries
- Registered at the Suriname Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Classified as an SME (Small and Medium Enterprise)
- Hold a valid business license (if legally required)
- Have an existing approved Export Marketing Plan
- Formally established and operating in Suriname
There is no set deadline for applications. You can apply at any time, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate a clear export strategy.
An Export Strategy and Action Plan is a structured roadmap that guides a company in successfully entering and expanding into international markets. It defines the exportable supply for each target market, positioning, competitive advantages, pricing, distribution channels, and promotional activities needed to achieve export growth.
This plan helps businesses align their resources, set clear priorities, and systematically approach foreign markets with a well-defined strategy, ensuring a higher probability of success.
How the Grant is Paid
This is a reimbursement grant: you pay first, then get reimbursed by the Nationale Ontwikkelingsbank (NOB).
For approved grants for Trade Fair Attendance or Product Testing/Certification, companies may apply for up to 50% of the full grant amount in advance against a pro-forma invoice from an approved supplier.
Ready to Expand Your Export Business?
Don't let funding constraints hold you back. The SITA Cost Share Grant Programe is designed to help Surinamese exporters like you succeed in international markets.
