Resources and Service Providers

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.

Resources for Businesses

Export Michigan

Export Michigan was developed jointly by MEDC and the International Business Center at Michigan State University. It assists businesses beginning to export and helps them expand upon their success.

Legal Resources

In partnership with MEDC, Foster Swift has developed an online library of legal resources for companies interested in international business and trade — including news and events.

Service Provider Directory

The Michigan Export Services Directory was created to identify public and private providers of trade assistance located in the state of Michigan, with the goal of facilitating global trade and expanding exports for Michigan companies.

International Trade Program Service Providers: Federal Partners

Export-Import Bank of the United States

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

International Trade Administration

The International Trade Administration strengthens the competitiveness of the U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of trade laws and agreements. ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad.

International Trade Program Service Providers: State Partners

East Michigan District Export Council

The East Michigan District Export Council (EMDEC) is a volunteer organization that encourages and supports exports of goods and services that strengthen individual companies, stimulate U.S. economic growth and create jobs.

Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

MDARD is comprised of six divisions that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan's small and medium-sized businesses to compete and grow. The center offers personalized consulting services that enable Michigan manufacturers to operate smarter, compete and prosper.

West Michigan District Export Council

Working in conjunction with the U.S. Commercial Service, West Michigan District Export Council provides practical, hands-on consulting, educational and resource services to assist small and medium-sized businesses to grow their businesses internationally, principally through exporting their goods and services.

Regional Export Network (REN)

Automation Alley

Automation Alley is a World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB) and a nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus. We facilitate public-private partnerships by connecting industry, education and government to fuel Michigan's economy and accelerate innovation. Our programs give businesses a competitive advantage by helping them along every step of their digital transformation journey. We obsess over disruptive technologies like AI, the Internet of Things and automation, and work hard to make these complex concepts easier for companies to understand and implement.

MSU International Business Center

The mission of the International Business Center (IBC) in the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University is to provide superior education, research, and assistance to businesses, public policy makers, academics and students on international business and trade.

Networks Northwest

Networks Northwest delivers programs and services for the 10 counties of Northwest Michigan. Primary service categories are: workforce development, business & economic development and community development.

Van Andel Global Trade Center

Van Andel Global Trade Center helps Michigan businesses succeed globally. Whether you are opening in a new market, figuring out customs compliance and international regulations or looking for overseas suppliers, VAGTC can help.

Small Business Service Providers

Foster Swift

Foster Swift attorneys have assisted foreign and U.S. clients with joint ventures, acquisitions, export control and import issues, manufacturing agreements, sales and supply agreements, distributor relationships and more.

IBT Online

IBT's Online Global programs (website localization, international online marketing and website management) give your targeted international audiences the local user experience that grows your exports, sales, brand and business globally.

Michigan Small Business Development Center

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers expert assistance at no cost to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic well-being by providing consulting, training, market research and more.