Small agricultural businesses in Georgia and the South can get money to help sell their products abroad through a program with the Southern U.S. Trade Association.

The group began accepting applications in August for federal money that will pay up to half of companies’ marketing costs to expand their exports.

Only small businesses with revenues of at least $100,000 are eligible.

“[Participating businesses are] any agriculture companies that have snack food, seafood, wine, products that are at least 50 percent U.S. origin," said Dawn Rivera with SUSTA. "We even have some dog food or pet care companies.”

The trade group offered $5 million in assistance to companies in southern states in 2011. The program is part of Obama administration efforts to double U.S. exports in five years.

(Full details about the program and requirements for companies to participate are at the SUSTA website.)

Tags: agriculture, small businesses, exports, Georgia exports, Southern U.S. Trade Association