Small businesses, those with less than 500 employees, soon will have a chance to get financial help for export sales.
The funds are being given out as part of a $1.5 million federal export award to the State of Michigan under the U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Export Pilot (STEP) program.
The goal of the program is to increase Michigan’s export sales, increase the number of companies that export and introduce current exporters to new foreign markets and buyers.
Export sales help diversify companies’ customer bases, provide longer term stability and can support higher paying jobs, says MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney.
The MEDC will coordinate a statewide export assistance delivery system with public and private resources to ensure company access regardless of geographic location.
Free or low-cost export training and technical counseling to participation fees for international trade missions are two ways the funds can be used.
Complete details on how companies can apply for assistance, including eligibility requirements and the application process are
available here.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership serving as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, focuses on helping grow Michigan's economy.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Kathy Fagan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
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