The primary objectives of the MI-STEP program is to increase the dollar value of Michigan exports, expand the number of Michigan companies that export, and introduce current exporters to new foreign markets and buyers. MEDC helps facilitate this by providing direct reimbursement in the form of a MI-STEP grant to eligible Michigan small businesses who engage in export-related activities to expand their international trade. “We did not know how to find the demand or the markets for our products overseas and we had no idea how to get started in the process,” Penny Challender, Owner/CFO of Hayes Manufacturing said. “Now that we are well into it, we see that building our business internationally is no different than it is in the U.S. It’s about making personal connections and follow-through.”

Chris Bosio, an MEDC International Trade Manager, worked to help prioritize the markets Hayes Manufacturing needed to concentrate on based on research conducted. He also assisted the company with international introductions, trip planning and meeting scheduling.

Using the grant received from MI-STEP, Hayes Manufacturing was able to travel to Australia to meet with the 15 well-vetted prospects who were already interested in their products. This resulted in Hayes securing B2B connections in the country and, in just over a year and a half, an increase of 383% in their sales to the country. Today, Hayes continues to receive weekly requests from stocking distributors in Australia who are looking for more information about the company and their products.

“We are so appreciative for the assistance we have received from the MEDC. We would have no way of finding or funding the level of detail and expertise that they continue to provide for our company. Our goal is to grow Hayes Manufacturing to provide jobs for our community and we feel like MEDC is our partner in achieving that goal,” Penny said.

In addition to Australia, MEDC has also introduced Hayes Manufacturing into the U.K. market, where based on initial investigation, there appears to be more export opportunities available for their company. With a trip planned for 2018, Hayes is preparing to be competitive in this market as well.

For more information on the MEDC International Trade Program including MI-STEP, please visit www.michiganbusiness.org/grow/international-trade-sservices/

Hannover Messe

April 23-27, 2018

Registration Deadline – February 23, 2018
Cost – Members: $3,000 | Non-members: $4,000

Automation Alley is seeking small and medium-sized Michigan companies to join its trade mission to Hannover Messe 2018, the world's leading trade fair for industrial technology. Hannover Messe is the place to meet industrial technology professionals worldwide for trade and investment opportunities, including 6,500 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors representing over 100 countries. Explore next stages of Industry 4.0 breakthroughs along the entire industrial value chain, including solutions with applications in industrial automation, engineering, information technologies, energy and environmental technologies and research and development.

Click here for more information.

Questions? Contact Lisa Lasser, Automation Alley at LasserL@AutomationAlley.com

Find New Markets for Your Business

A video series on the top U.S. export markets

Ready for more sales?

You have worked hard at establishing your export business and know the benefits of international sales to your company's bottom line – so keep going! A new video series from the U.S. Commercial Service can help.  

Learn from the Experts

In short 4-6 minute videos, you’ll get an overview of top U.S. export markets and insight from in-country trade experts at U.S. embassies and consulates. Find out which countries you should consider if you have an established export business and are ready to navigate larger or more challenging, yet highly rewarding, markets. Choose a video to watch now.

Read More

After watching the video, you can learn more about doing business in the country with our Country Commercial Guide. The guides, authored by U.S. Commercial Service trade experts at U.S. embassies and consulates in more than 140 countries, provide economic overviews and insights into industry opportunities, selling techniques, trade financing, business travel, and more.

Partner Events

“Exporting Mechanics” Webinar Series

U.S. Commercial Service
Virtual
$25

The U.S. Commercial Service is collaborating with the National Customs Brokers Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) Educational Institute to present an exporting mechanics webinar series. The series will provide U.S. small and medium size businesses with the basic exporting information they need to help them increase exports abroad, while increasing employment and jobs in the United States.

• Tuesday, February 13 – Export Licenses
• Friday, March 9 – ECCN Classification Numbers
• Tuesday, April 10 – Letters of Credit
• Tuesday, May 8 – U.S. Harmonized Tariff Classification Numbers
• Tuesday, June 12 – Duty Drawback and Refunds 

For more information, contact linda.abbruzzese@trade.gov  

Export Competitively and Increase Your Sales Webinar

U.S. Census Bureau
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Virtual
2pm – 3pm
Free

EXIM knows competing in foreign markets can be challenging and risky. This webinar will discuss how to take the worry out of exporting and grow the international sales of U.S. based businesses. In particular, the webinar focuses on the three benefits of EXIM's export credit insurance:

•Minimizes the risks of buyer nonpayment (up to 95%)

•Allows exporters to extend attractive "open account" credit terms to customers

•Increases an exporter's borrowing capacity

Visit here for details and registration.

The Road Ahead: Innovation in Detroit and Beyond

Automation Alley
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Detroit
3pm – 6pm
Free

Basics of Exporting

Van Andel Global Trade Center
Friday, February 9, 2018
Grand Rapids
8:30am – 3:30pm
Member - $225 / Non-Member $350

This seminar will provide a foundational understanding of the most important things you need to know to be a successful exporter. You will also learn of valuable resources available to help your company grow its exports.

Topics covered:

• Understanding Export Transactions
• Creating Export Documentation
• Filing of Export Declarations in AES
• Use of Incoterms® 2010
• The Importance of Value, HS Classifications & Country of Origin
• Use of Free Trade Agreements, such as NAFTA
• Setting Up Export Recordkeeping
• Managing Export Controls & Compliance
• Export Resources Available 

Click here  for details and registration.

Exporting Mechanics Webinar

U.S. Commercial Services
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Virtual
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$25

This webinar is for the beginner or new to exporting U.S. small and medium size business. Exporters will learn about export licenses, license exceptions, supporting documents needed for an export license, and SNAP-R.  They will also learn about export license procedures and when to export or re-export.

Visit here for details and registration