GLASGOW has set aside £33,000 to offer up to 60 firms cash to jet around the world to win new business.
GLASGOW has set aside £33,000 to offer up to 60 firms cash to jet around the world to win new business.
Trade missions are being finalised to four destinations in India, America, Poland and the United Arab Emirates with direct air links to Glasgow.
Small and medium sized city businesses are to be given the opportunity to send representatives.
Firms that qualify will be offered up to £550 for each trip.
The year-long programme is being put together by a partnership involving the Scottish Council For Development and Industry, Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce and the city council.
The first trade mission is scheduled for India in January - ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi - followed by another in May to the US cities of New York and Boston.
America remains Scotland's biggest export market and both cities could generate business for Glasgow in construction, education and training, as well as life sciences, transport and creative industries.
Poland will be next up in September. It will host football's 2012 European Championship and there are contract opportunities, especially in infrastructure and hospitality.
The final mission is to the United Arab Emirates in January 2011.
Abu Dhabi is of interest to Scottish businesses in the international oil and gas markets.
Dr Lesley Sawers, chief executive of the Scottish Council For Development and Industry, said: "These visits offer Glasgow-based companies an excellent opportunity and support to undertake in-market research, identify new customers and win business."
Council leader Steven Purcell said: "To secure Glasgow's long-term economic success the council and its partner organisations must continue developing a supportive environment for business growth.
"This trade visit programme provides an excellent opportunity for our home-grown businesses to expand their capabilities and productivity by breaking into new markets and creating international business connections.
"It also demonstrates Glasgow's offering to a global market place."
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce, said: "It is vital that in the current economic climate we maximise all opportunities and work in partnership to deliver sustainable economic growth for the city.
"Going international is key to growing and building successful businesses "I would urge our members to consider taking part in this imaginative programme."
The managing director of one firm welcomed the cash help.
Stephen Telford, of High Voltage Instruments Limited, which is based at Ibrox Business Park, said: "We are a small Glasgow business, but we have international ambitions.
"We have had some recent success in India and Hong Kong and welcome the focused support offered to businesses like ours to meet our international ambitions."
