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  1. Services
  2. International Trade

International Trade Services

Michigan is well-positioned to attract global customers and recognizes global trade as a key component of the state’s economy. MEDC offers business assistance in identifying and pursuing global market opportunities that can help you compete globally and grow your business.

MEDC International Trade Programs

The international trade program supports Michigan businesses that want to start or expand export activities with initiatives to:

  • Increase awareness of export opportunities and resources
  • Strengthen the knowledge and skills required for success in international markets
  • Introduce Michigan companies to promising export markets
  • Deliver on-the-ground support in key Michigan export markets
  • Arrange financial assistance for qualified export development activities

Regionally based international trade managers work with companies to identify their export development objectives and recommend appropriate export programs and resources. These resources include small business support services, International Trade Center assistance, and events such as educational opportunities, cultural programs, and international trade shows and missions. 

  • View Michigan's Regional Export Network map
  • View the International Trade Program brochure 

State Trade Expansion Program

MI-STEP is a grant program, funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), providing direct reimbursement to eligible small business concerns to develop or expand export-related activities. The MI-STEP program is designed to spur job creation by empowering Michigan eligible small business concerns to export their products. The program has three primary objectives:

  • Increase the dollar value of Michigan exports
  • Expand the number of Michigan companies that export
  • Introduce current exporters to new foreign markets and buyers

STEP was launched in 2011 by the SBA as part of the president’s National Export Initiative with a goal to double U.S. exports and give America a stronger competitive edge. 

SBA Logo.png

  • View MI-STEP program eligibility and application guidelines
  • View MI-PEP program eligibility and application guidelines
  • Begin working with MEDC by supplying some information

Get Started
Complete and submit this intake form to get started

Submit Today

The "E" Award

The "E" Award for Export Service was awarded to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's International Trade Program on May 22, 2017. The "E" and "E Star" Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for supporting export activity.

Learn More about The "E" Award

International Trade Centers

MEDC has six International Trade Centers through a partnership with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. These centers provide services to companies interested in expanding their export sales to the Arab Gulf, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe and Mexico.

Learn more about the services offered

Map of MEDC International Trade offices

 

International Trade Program Service Provider Summary

Federal Partners

  • U.S. Department of Commerce export centers: export.gov
  • U.S. Small Business Administration: sba.gov
  • Export-Import Bank of the United States: exim.gov

State Partners

  • East Michigan District Export Council: eastmichigandec.org 
  • West Michigan District Export Council: exportwestmichigan.com
  • Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: michigan.gov/mdard
  • Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center: mmtc.org

Regional Export Network (REN)

  • Automation Alley: automationalley.com 
  • Michigan State University International Business Center: global.broad.msu.edu  
  • Networks Northwest: networksnorthwest.org 
  • Van Andel Global Trade Center: gvsu.edu/vagtc 

Small Business Service Providers

  • Foster Swift: fosterswift.com 
  • IBT Online: ibt.onl 
  • Michigan Small Business Development Center: sbdcmichigan.org 
  • Michigan State University International Business Center/CIBER: global.broad.msu.edu/ibc 

Get Started
Complete and submit this intake form to get started

Submit Today

International Trade Events

2018-2019 Events List

  • February 17-21: IDEX Trade Show
  • March 30-April 5: Hannover Messe Fair
  • April 11: Legal Essentials Training: Intellectual Property/Business Partner Due Dilligence
  • May 9: Legal Essentials Training: Export Control Overview Compliance
  • June 15-21: International Paris Air Show
  • September 19: Legal Essentials Training: Intellectual Property & Export Control

Michigan Trade Events

  • Statewide Calendar
  • Submit Your Event 

Success Stories

  • Challenger Communications, LLC

Export Resources

  • Export Michigan
  • Service Provider Directory
  • Legal Resources

Legal Essentials Training Videos:

  • Legal Essentials to Export
  • Export Control Overview
  • What is an Export?
  • Department of Treasury
  • Department of Commerce
  • Department of State
  • Foreign Trade Show

International Trade Newsletters

  • December 2018
  • January 2019
  • February 2019
  • About MEDC
  • Reports & Data
  • Public Notices & RFPs
  • Contact MEDC
  • Site Map
  • Terms and Conditions
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Address
300 N. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48913
888.522.0103
© 2019 Michigan Economic Development Corporation