The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) announced the winners of the 2026 Metro Export Challenge (MEC) following the program's 10th Annual Pitch Day, held October 8 at Invesco’s global headquarters in Atlanta. After months of mentorship and guidance around developing their export strategies, four metro Atlanta companies presented their export growth strategies before a panel of judges, competing for grant funding to support expansion into international markets. The competition awarded $30,000 and Delta Air Lines flight vouchers to winning companies, marking a decade of helping businesses grow their global reach.

2026 METRO EXPORT CHALLENGE WINNERS

First Place ($15,000): Integrated Environmental Services

Second Place ($10,000): Adravision

Third Place ($5,000): Kahua

The four finalists competing in the 2026 Pitch Day competition included:

• Adravision (Automation Software)
• Bowstone Metal Fabrication (Manufacturing)
• Integrated Environmental Services (Hazardous Waste Management)
• Kahua (Project Management Software)

The Metro Atlanta Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to this year's panel of judges: Mario Gonzalez of the Small Business Development Center's International Trade Center; Eric Johnson of the U.S. Commercial Service, International Trade Administration; Makeda Matthews of Delta Air Lines; and Kristina Williams of Jetaire Group. Their expertise and dedication to supporting international business and trade were instrumental in recognizing the region's most promising exporters.

"Congratulations to this year's winners and all of the companies that participated in Pitch Day," said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "The Metro Export Challenge has helped metro Atlanta companies expand into new markets, grow sales, and strengthen our region's global competitiveness. As metro Atlanta continues to attract investment and connect to markets around the world, supporting businesses that are ready to export remains critical to long-term economic growth."

Launched in 2016, the Metro Export Challenge is the region's largest export-focused economic development initiative. Over the past decade, the program has provided $1 million in grant funding, mentorship, and travel support to more than 150 metro Atlanta companies pursuing growth in international markets.

Participating businesses gain access to guidance from international trade experts and opportunities to refine strategies for entering and expanding in global markets. The program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses overcome barriers to international growth while strengthening metro Atlanta's position as a premier global business hub.

"The Metro Export Challenge has proven that targeted support can make a meaningful difference for companies looking to enter international markets," said Stefan Harrigan, senior manager of global business development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "This year's finalists demonstrated the creativity, resilience and global mindset that define metro Atlanta's business community. As we celebrate 10 years of the Metro Export Challenge, we're proud of the hundreds of companies that have expanded exports and entered new markets through the program, and grateful to the partners whose collaboration has helped strengthen metro Atlanta's position as a leading global business hub."

Participating companies have expanded into new international markets, increased export activity, and hired new employees in Georgia and around the world, creating new opportunities for growth across the region.

Program partners include the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Delta Air Lines, International Trade Administration, Decide DeKalb, Partnership Gwinnett, Select Cobb, Select Fulton, NRW Global Business, and SBDC International Trade Center.  

For more information about the Metro Export Challenge and to submit your company’s interest for 2027, visit metroatlantachamber.com/metro-export-challenge.