Visit Apply

John H. Chafee Center for International Business

The John H. Chafee Center for International Business provides comprehensive international trade services for businesses to expand into international markets.

John H. Chafee Center for International Business

(401) 232-6407

chafeecenter@bryant.edu

1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI 02917

Info Directory

Additional Resources

Join Our Mailing List

Event Calendar

The Chafee Center at Bryant University was named after the late U.S. senator from Rhode Island, John H. Chafee, a long-time advocate of international trade and the benefits of introducing new markets to our nation's businesses. The Center's mission is to foster world trade through collaboration with the University's academic programs, partnerships with state and federal entities, and outreach to the business community.

For over three decades, the Chafee Center has provided comprehensive international trade services for businesses of all sizes and industries. Services and programs include global market research, corporate training, international trade events, and strategic consulting

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a national export initiative which makes matching-fund awards to states to assist small businesses in entering and expanding into international markets. Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of International Trade, the program's objectives are to increase the number of U.S. small businesses that export and to increase the value of exports by small businesses.

The Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University, in partnership with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, has been awarded the STEP grant and will work with eligible RI small businesses to enroll them in this valuable program and assist them in receiving STEP funding to support their international sales efforts.

To learn more about the STEP Grant, please view the STEP Program guidelines.

If you're ready to enroll your small business in the program, please complete the SBA self-representation form and the RI STEP business profile.

Once you are enrolled in STEP and you have an eligible activity in mind, please complete the request for approval form.

Once you have received a letter of approval from the center and have completed the activity, please fill out the request for reimbursement form.

Trade Mission to Dominican Republic - August 21-23, 2023

Eligible Rhode Island Small Businesses will explore international business opportunities and key government contracts led by the International Trade Specialist from the Chafee Center at Bryant University.

Apply for a grant to receive 2 nights of hotel and matchmaking services in the Dominican Republic.

Trade Mission Application Form

Trade Mission to Dominican Republic - August 21-23, 2023

DSEI – Defense Show in London – September 12-15, 2023

DSEI – Defense Show in London – September 12-15, 2023

This show connects the entire defense and security supply chain on a global scale. Apply to the STEP grant to participate.

Learn More Trade Mission Application Form

Trade Shows and Missions

Join us at international trade missions and shows organized by the Chafee Center in partnership with Rhode Island Commerce and the state of Rhode Island.

Learn More

Business Consulting

Do you need help to start exporting? Our experienced in-house staff and outside partnerships will work with you to start or expand your exports.

Learn More

Business Practica

Bryant's degree programs in IB, GSCM, and the MBA require students to complete a practicum where students work on real-world projects for individual client companies.

Learn More

Partner Profiles

Our extensive network will work with you to help you step-by-step to go global. We offer resources and incentives for international trade.

Learn More