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ShareThe Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has been named as one of just four organizations in Michigan to help lead a state-wide initiative designed to help Michigan businesses significantly increase exports around the world. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has launched the statewide effort, called the Pure Michigan STEP (State Trade & Export Promotion), which is intended to assist companies start or improve exporting activities. The program will also help eliminate barriers to exporting by providing financial assistance to qualified organizations seeking entry and expansion into foreign markets.
“We are honored to be selected for such an important leadership role in an exciting new program that clearly has the potential to dramatically boost exporting opportunities for Michigan businesses,” said Tim Daman, LRCC President & CEO. “MEDC’s decision to work with the Lansing Regional Chamber on this initiative is recognition of our successful efforts in developing the International Trade Center, and our partnership with the Capital Region Airport Authority to promote Port Lansing and the Foreign Trade Zone.”
MEDC will fund the Pure Michigan STEP as a result of a $1.5 million federal grant received from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) State Trade Export & Promotion grant program. The program is intended to assist business in all stages of exporting, including companies that have never exported, but are interested in learning more, organizations that have exported on occasion and want to increase their involvement in foreign markets, and expert exporters seeking to expand volume and/or enter new markets.
LRCC has been selected to host the Central Michigan Regional Export Network (REN), which consists of 19 counties: Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Clare, Isabella, Gratiot, Jackson, Midland, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Tuscola, Lapeer, Huron, Sanilac and St, Clair. LRCC’s role will be to coordinate communication with client companies for training, development of export roadmaps and plans, and connections to public and private service providers involved in global trade. Other regional hosts include Automation Alley, Van Andel Global Trade Center and Northern Michigan Council of Governments.
“It is significant that the SBA STEP grant that MEDC has received will provide funds to hire a full-time international trade manager housed at the Chamber who will be dedicated to the success of this program,” said Brent Case, LRCC vice president for international business services. “This is a very large undertaking, but central Michigan businesses should know that we will have the staff resources and financial support to enable us to help them achieve their exporting endeavors.”
Michigan companies with fewer than 500 employees can qualify for financial assistance through the Pure Michigan STEP. Qualified businesses will be eligible to receive reimbursement for specific export volumes related to new export business, with prior approval. Examples of activities that could be reimbursed under the program are: overseas trade missions, overseas trade shows, foreign market sales trips and translation of materials and/or websites.
For more information, please visit: http://lansingchamber.org/
