Vanessa Johnson
Manager - Federal Projects and Trade Missions Consulting Services
+1 (404) 586-6838 vjohnson@gaccsouth.com
The business matchmaking trip to the USA is a funding initiative under the Market Development Program for SMEs of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). It will take place from September 14 to 18 in North Carolina and Georgia and is aimed at German companies operating in the aviation industry.
The focus is on establishing concrete business opportunities with potential U.S. business partners. Through this project implementation, the BMWE supports German companies in their international business efforts by specifically building and expanding business contacts in the United States. The goal of the business matchmaking is to identify market opportunities and prepare long-term sales potential for German companies in the industry.
As part of the trip, a major presentation and networking event will be held. Participating delegation members will introduce their products, technologies, and services, as well as potential areas for cooperation, to a U.S. professional audience. Afterward, they will be able to conduct business discussions on-site with selected companies and key market players.
Each participating German company will receive, as part of the trip, a personalized appointment schedule with individually arranged B2B one-on-one meetings. These meetings will be held with potential U.S. business partners and end customers who have been identified and recruited in advance by the AHK-Atlanta based on the company’s ideal target contact profile. In addition, group visits to the headquarters of potential business contacts or to reference projects provide an opportunity to expand your network and make relevant connections.
Before the trip, a target market analysis is also prepared, including comprehensive information about the industry and the market. This information is provided to the participants. In addition, a graphically designed company profile is created in the target country’s language to support outreach and business contact acquisition on site.
The project is carried out by the German American Chamber of Commerce for the Southern United States (AHK Atlanta) in cooperation with SBS systems for business solutions GmbH and the specialist partner Hamburg Aviation.
Up to eight to twelve German companies can participate in the business matchmaking trip. The BMWE covers the costs of the trip organizer’s services. Depending on their size, participating companies pay only a portion of the costs, along with their individual travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
Components of the Business Development Trip
Target Market Analysis
To prepare participants for the content, the target-market webinar provides industry-specific information on market potential, trends, and risks. It also includes practical guidance on sales approaches, business-related and intercultural aspects, and information about relevant networks in the United States. All information is compiled in a clear, easy-to-review handout.
Country Briefing
During a country briefing in the United States, you receive important, expanded knowledge about the target market, industry-specific features, and the trip’s organizational process. The presenters are industry and country experts from Germany’s foreign missions, the AHK, and GTAI, as well as specialists from relevant German companies in the target country.
Presentation Event
As part of a presentation event, you have the opportunity to showcase your products and services to senior representatives from local companies, research institutions, trade associations, and organizations. Afterward, you can hold networking and contact discussions with the international participants.
Company Presentation
Individually arranged in-person business meetings in the USA with potential partners (customers, distributors, cooperation partners, end users, government agencies, and others). Your specific expectations for the foreign business contacts are identified in advance through a systematic process and direct communication with you.
New Business Opportunities
The German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) is your local contact in the German-speaking community. It handles your appointment scheduling, connects all parties involved, and accompanies you as a participant to the meetings. If needed, it also serves as an interpreter or provides moderation.
Group Visits
Guided tours of the company headquarters for potential customers—either on-site or at selected institutions and reference sites—give you the opportunity to expand your network and make valuable contacts in the United States.
Program
Charlotte, North Carolina & Atlanta, Georgia | 14.-18. September 2026
Costs and Participation Requirements
The project is part of the federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s market-entry program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and is subject to the de minimis regulations. The companies’ own contribution for participating in the project depends on the size of the company:
- €250 (net) for businesses (including service providers and tradespeople) with fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million in annual revenue.
- €850 (net) for businesses (including service providers and trades), with fewer than 750 employees and less than €150 million in annual revenue.
- €1,500 (net) for businesses (including service providers and trades), for companies with 750 or more employees or with an annual revenue of at least €150 million.
Travel, accommodation, and meal costs are covered by the participants themselves. For all companies, the individual consulting services are certified in accordance with the EU De Minimis Regulation.
A maximum of 12 companies may participate. Registrations will be considered in the order they are received, with priority given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over large companies.
Market Information — Business Potential in the United States
The United States is one of the largest aviation markets in the world. With a market volume of about $86.7 billion in 2025, the industry remains a key driver of growth, supported by fleet modernization, rising demand, and ongoing investments in industrial capacity. At the center of this development is the aviation supply industry, focused on materials, equipment, and system components that are essential to the sector’s performance and innovation.
Large U.S. companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, and General Electric Aerospace are driving demand for innovative materials, precise components, and technologically advanced system solutions across the entire value chain.
Looking ahead to developments from 2024 to 2025, demand for innovative and energy-efficient technologies is expected to increase further starting in 2026. Key aviation hubs in the southeastern United States include the Atlanta and Savannah metropolitan areas in Georgia, as well as Charlotte, North Carolina. These regions host many production facilities, including those of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, along with suppliers and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities.
Opportunities for German Companies
The U.S. aviation market offers German companies attractive opportunities, especially in areas such as materials, equipment, and technologically demanding components. There is strong demand for solutions that meet the highest requirements for precision, reliability, and performance in challenging aviation applications.
The greatest potential lies in high-performance materials, lightweight construction, engine and structural components, and avionics. German companies have strong expertise across the entire value chain, from material development and manufacturing technologies to system integration.