Reach New Markets

Montgomery County, Maryland, welcomes international companies looking to establish their presence in the U.S.

Located within minutes of the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., embassies, federal agencies, and three international airports, the County offers unparalleled connectivity to domestic and international markets.

Home to three of the five most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, vibrant communities, and with more than 162 languages spoken in its public schools, Montgomery County, Maryland, is a top destination where global talent comes to live, work, and thrive.

Silver Spring Public Library, Silver Spring

ASSISTANCE

The Maryland Global Gateway Soft Landing Program

International companies exploring the U.S. market are encouraged to participate in this unique program that provides access to facilities, resources, advisors, and more before they choose to invest here. Working with select partners, international entities may also be eligible to receive funding towards physical, programmatic, and other costs associated with market entry.

Eligibility
  • Companies must be legally registered as a business in their home country for at least one year
  • Companies must have at least five full-time, equivalent employees
  • Companies must have had at least $500,000 USD in sales revenue and/or external investment in a single year, 2023 or 2024
  • Must be able to land physically in Maryland within six months of the application round

To receive funds, companies must ultimately sign an agreement with a Global Gateway partner organization. It is not required to have a partner already in place for the initial application. If you are not already in contact with a partner organization, please complete the application and the Maryland Department of Commerce will work with you to identify one.

Benefits

Allows foreign companies to:

  • Physically locate up to two staff at a time for six months, at a business facility where they are able to “plug and play” and have access to the facility amenities, such as internet and conference space. All official soft landing programs are able to assist with these costs for up to six months.
  • Access, during the six month soft landing period, all relevant learning, networking, and mentoring services are offered by the partner organization. All soft landing programs provide at least two of the following services:
    • Educational programs/training on various business topics
    • Networking events
    • Funding for participants
    • Strategic partnerships or other special programs
    • Access to mentors, advisors, or entrepreneurs-in-residence
  • Participate in at least five targeted matchmaking meetings with companies, industries, and other organizations in Maryland
  • Receive assistance with business registration and navigating state regulations

MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Proof at every scale.

GLOBAL ENTERPRISES

1,000+ employees

MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

100-999 employees

SMALL ENTERPRISES

< 100 employees

Talk to Our Team

The access to FDA and the other federal agencies really sets Montgomery County, Maryland, apart compared to some of those other markets out there.

Brett Tynes · Managing Director, Location Strategy & Workforce Analytics, Savills North America