BOSTON — The New England Council, a regional business lobbying and development association, has started an Export Mentoring Program that will give 20 hours of free consultation to small- and medium-sized firms entering foreign markets.

The council says that international trade represents more than 30 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product and that 11 million jobs in the United States depend on export.

A committee of council members will choose two companies from each New England state to take part in the program.

Companies chosen will receive mentoring from prestigious New England-based companies such as Gillette, Raytheon, The Cabot Corp. and a number of banks.

Nominations should be made by local Chambers of Commerce, state agencies or other business groups to the New England Council, Export Mentoring Program, 250 Boylston St., Boston, Mass. 02116. The deadline is Dec. 1.

For information, call Larry Zabar of the New England Council 617-437-0304.