SMITHFIELD, RI - A delegation of Rhode Island defense and security supply chain businesses hosted an exhibition at Defense & Security Equipment International (DSEI), one of the world's largest defense exhibitions, from September 10 to 13. This opportunity to showcase Rhode Island companies was made possible by a partnership between Bryant University’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
Held annually in London, DSEI connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders, and the global defense and security supply chain. With more than 35,000 attendees and 1,600 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, the event provided access to Air, Land, Naval, Security and Joint Domains, and a range of valuable opportunities for networking and live-action demonstrations.
Seven Rhode Island companies – Ambilabs, Clear Carbon & Components, Inc., Evans Capacitor Company, FarSounder, Night Vision Technology Solutions LLC, Propel LLC, Videology Imaging Solutions, Inc.– presented their products and technologies to buyers from around the world. Kathy Therieau led the effort on behalf of the Chafee Center to facilitate Rhode Island’s presence at the event.
Expanding into international markets
The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant program, a three-year pilot trade and export initiative, provided funding for the exhibition. Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade, the STEP Grant makes matching-fund awards to states to assist small businesses in entering and expanding into international markets.
The Chafee Center just received its eighth Rhode Island STEP Grant and will use the funds to provide hundreds of financial assistance awards to local companies. Through global market research, corporate training, and strategic consulting, the Chafee Center provides comprehensive trade services for local, regional, and national companies to get their products and services to customers around the world, generating millions of dollars in export sales.
About the Chafee Center for International Business
The John H. Chafee Center for International Business supports Bryant University's mission of providing undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs through collaborations with faculty and students. Through global market research, corporate training, and strategic consulting, the Chafee Center helps companies get products and services to more customers around the world. The Center assists more than 200 companies each year.
Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. is a leading private university offering an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education. Founded in 1863, Bryant University has approximately 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students from 32 states and 66 countries. Bryant University is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, and Barron's. Visit www.Bryant.edu.