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International Trade Support

The MEDC is seeking proposals from one or more bidders to provide foreign office services and/or export development technical assistance, and/or trade mission and trade show support to Michigan small and medium-sized businesses seeking to evaluate, enter, or expand in international markets.


Background

This is a competitively bid RFP housed within the Small Business, International Trade business unit, with an anticipated program allocation of up to $1,000,000.

Small businesses often lack the market intelligence, in-country expertise, networks, and specialized expertise needed to evaluate and pursue international business opportunities, making it difficult to evaluate or expand qualified market opportunities, navigate local business conditions, and establish relationships with potential customers or partners. Foreign office services and targeted technical assistance together provide localized expertise, connections, and export know-how that individual businesses may not be able to develop independently, helping Michigan firms build export readiness, diversify markets and revenue streams, and compete more effectively in the global economy.

Timeline

  • October 5, 2026: RFP release
  • October 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.: Questions from potential bidders are due via email to [email protected]. Please note: The MEDC will not respond to questions that are not received by the above date and time. In addition, questions that are phoned, faxed or sent through regular mail will not be accepted.
  • October 21, 2026, by close of business: Responses to all qualifying questions will be posted on this webpage.
  • November 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.: Electronic versions sent separately of each of your Technical Proposal and Price Proposals due to the MEDC via email at [email protected]. Proposals will not be accepted via U.S. Mail or any other delivery method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Questions regarding the RFP should be sent to: [email protected].

RFP Details

Click here to download and view the full details of the RFP.