Upcoming Illinois Trade Events & Opportunities

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Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities


Below is a list of upcoming international trade events, which our office is organizing or co-sponsoring/supporting. We hope that you will be able to join us for at least one of them. You can also access this list as well as info on other upcoming international events & missions at http://export.gov/illinois/tradeevents/eg_us_il_024667.asp


Debra H. Rogers

Senior International Trade Specialist

U.S. Department of Commerce

Commercial Service - Chicago 

 


Export News

Applications for CRGC 2019 Export Grants Still Being Accepted

The Chicago Regional Growth Corporation (CRGC) export grant program is intended for more experienced exporters who already have an export strategy. The grant funding is intended to help implement the strategy.  Exporters located in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties and the City of Chicago with less than 500 employees are encouraged to apply. The 2019 Grant Program will award up to $5,000 to small and medium-sized companies to implement an export plan. The grant will reimburse 50% of eligible expenses related to the plan.  Priority will be given to applicants that have not previously won a grant.  For more information, and to apply online, see https://wbc.formstack.com/forms/2019_crgc_gp_application

Local Events

ExporTech - Now Recruiting Companies for Fall/Winter 2019 Cohort – Chicago Heights

Unlock your export potential with ExporTech!  Target companies for ExporTech are those that need to develop a more formal strategy for international and would benefit from individual market research. On average, participating companies generate $770k in new export sales. ExporTech saves participants countless hours with individual consulting and custom market research. It eliminates fear of the unknown about getting paid, protecting intellectual property, finding sales representatives, and more. This 3-day intensive cohort-based program is recruiting for autumn/winter 2019 and will take place in Chicago Heights. Invest your time in your business to develop a strategic plan for international sales, with grant funding available to implement. For this cohort, Cook County is a sponsor, so companies located in Cook County will be given first priority, but others should apply as well. Please email Lisa Reijula at Chicago Regional Growth Corporation, at lreijula@chicagoregionalgrowth.com (with cc to Debra.Rogers@trade.gov) to find out if this program is right for you.

Webinars

October 2, 2019:  The World is Open for Your Business: Finding International Buyers – Webinar

Wegginar®, hosted by Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global™ (wegg®)

 https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org), a strategic partner of the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration. Monica Toporkiewicz, Senior International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service in Chicago will present on how to determine and prioritize target markets overseas, find buyers, discover online market intelligence, and utilize U.S. government resources. 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. CST.  Advance registration required.  Fee:  No charge (thanks to generous support from IBM, Bank of America, GlobalCare Clinical Trials, Harris Bricken, Greensfelder, FedEx and Associated Bank).  For more information and to register, go to:  https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2019/09/16/how-to-find-international-buyers/; email ldelaney@womenentrepreneursGROWglobal.org.

 

October 3, 2019 @ 1:00pm CDT: Celebrate Manufacturing Day & Discover Federal Government Export Resources – Free Webinar

  • Access Data
  • Find New Buyers
  • Finance Deals
  • Reduce Nonpayment Risk

This a virtual roundtable with accomplished small business manufacturers will allow you to hear their secrets to success, including how to tap into valuable government resources, like the U.S. Commercial Service, to help grow your company's international sales. Feature U.S. manufacturers will explain their successful experiences working with multiple government agencies to boost their export sales. Webinar registrants will be able to ask questions via a webinar chat feature.  Register Now! at https://share.hsforms.com/1nVRCJxqKRSu1lXVs8R0g2w3h0tg  Contact Stephen.Maroon@exim.gov with questions.

 

October 8, 2019 @ 1:00pm CDT: Exporting Mechanics Series – Advanced Letters of Credit – Webinar

Learn about the letter of credit and how it is effectively used to avoid discrepancies, and what the role of the banks is in the letter of credit process. This webinar is part of a series hosted by the US Commercial Service in partnership with the NCBFAA Educational Institute, where experts will present exporting mechanics focused on more leading and progressive topics.Cost: $25. Please register online at http://www.ncbfaa.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/events/851.html?Action=Conference_Detail&ConfID_W=851&menukey=events

 

October 15, 2019: Advanced Transportation Manufacturing - Webinar

Sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service, this webinar will describe how companies can participate in the Advanced Transportation Manufacturing Summit (ATMS) in Toronto & about the general state of manufacturing in the U.S. 10:00 a.m. CDT. No fee; advance registration required. For information & registration, please see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=39657&InputType=EVENT

 

October 24, 2019: GDPR and Manufacturers – Where We’ve Been & Where We Are Now - Webinar

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, this webinar will provide an overview of the General Data Protection Regulation and its requirements and address lessons learned since the law came into effect,

including: Determining if and how the GDPR applies to your business (and how to possibly avoid the GDPR all together); Key compliance obligations of the GDPR; Establishing a GDPR compliance program; and Relevant developments and lessons learned since May 2018. 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CDT.  Fee: $15. For information & registration, please see:

https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=39590&InputType=EVENT

 

October 29, 2019: Licenses, Certifications and Labeling in Brazil- Webinar

This U.S.-Brazil Trade Facilitation webinar, sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service, will showcase the licenses and certificates that may be required for the import of certain products into Brazil and the government agencies and other entities that may be involved in issuing such licenses and certificates. 12:00 p.m. CDT. Fee: $35. For information & registration, please see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=39517&InputType=EVENT.

 

October 29, 2019: GDPR and Educational Institutions – Where We’ve Been & Where We Are Now - Webinar

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, this webinar will provide an overview of the General Data

Protection Regulation and its requirements and address lessons learned since the law came into

effect, including: Determining if and how the GDPR applies to your school (and how to possibly

avoid GDPR all together); Key compliance obligations of the GDPR; Establishing a GDPR

compliance program; and Relevant developments and lessons learned since May 2018. 12:00 –

1:00 p.m. CDT. Fee: $15. For information & registration, please see:

https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=39591&InputType=EVENT

 

November 12, 2019 @ 1:00pm CST: Exporting Mechanics Series – Duty Drawback and Refunds – Webinar

Learn about the benefits of duty drawback and refunds as it applies to more complicated transactions. This webinar is part of a series hosted by the US Commercial Service in partnership with the NCBFAA Educational Institute, where experts will present exporting mechanics focused on more leading and progressive topics. Cost: $25. Please register online at http://www.ncbfaa.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/events/852.html?Action=Conference_Detail&ConfID_W=852&menukey=events

 

December 10, 2019 @ 1:00pm CST: Exporting Mechanics Series – ECCN Classification Numbers – Webinar

Learn about ECCN Classification Numbers and how to use them more efficiently in international trade. This webinar is part of a series hosted by the US Commercial Service in partnership with the NCBFAA Educational Institute, where experts will present exporting mechanics focused on more leading and progressive topics. Cost: $25. Please register online at http://www.ncbfaa.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/events/853.html?Action=Conference_Detail&ConfID_W=853&menukey=events

 

January 14, 2020 @ noon CST: Exporting Mechanics Series – Commodity Jurisdiction – Webinar

Learn what "Commodity Jurisdiction" is and how it affects exporters. This webinar is part of a series hosted by the US Commercial Service in partnership with the NCBFAA Educational Institute, where experts will present exporting mechanics focused on more leading and progressive topics.  Cost: $25. Please register online at http://www.ncbfaa.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/events/854.html?Action=Conference_Detail&ConfID_W=854&menukey=events

Trade Missions

October 20-24, 2019: FinTech Trade Mission to UAE

This U.S. Department of Commerce Certified Trade Mission, to be held in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) annual FinTech Abu Dhabi Conference, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Discover America program, will offer multiple avenues for engagement with senior public and private stakeholders in the U.A.E.’s financial services and technology ecosystems. The fintech focused trade mission will also provide numerous opportunities for private sector companies to network and build commercial partnerships in the U.A.E. with key stakeholders such as: Smart Dubai, Dubai Future Foundation, Abu Dhabi Smart Solutions and Services Authority, Mubadala Investment Co., Expo 2020 Dubai, and Hub 71. Fee: Business Council Member/Non-Member: $1,000.00 / $1,500.00. For inquiries or to register your interest contact Elliot Ruvelson eruvelson@usuaebusiness.org, +1-202-863-7285 or email:  Richard.carpenter@trade.gov.

 

November 2-8, 2019: Secretarial Business Delegation to Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam

Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will lead a Business Delegation of U.S. companies to Southeast Asia to showcase their businesses and explore opportunities in these countries. We are seeking applicants, particularly those that specialize in energy, infrastructure, and digital economy, to send their leadership to accompany the Secretary.  Members of this trade delegation will be presented with the unique opportunity to interact with senior U.S. and Indo-Pacific business and government leaders and participate in the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Bangkok. The Secretary-Led Business Development Mission will promote a robust U.S. commercial presence in the Indo-Pacific region and will focus on supporting U.S. companies in the energy, infrastructure and digital economy sectors. Key elements of the mission will include business-to-government and business-to-business meetings, market briefings, and networking events.

How to register: Please contact the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Business Liaison at: BusinessLiaison@doc.gov or 202-482-1360 to request an application. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2019. If your business is selected, you will be notified by October 16th of your acceptance.

Learn More: Full details, including schedule and requirements, can be found on the Federal Register Notice by clicking here.

 

November 4-9, 2019: Hong Kong FinTech Roadshow – Hong Kong

Is your FinTech company ready to expand in the Asia-Pacific area? The U.S. Commercial Service and PHM International are co-organizing the Asia-Pacific Fintech Roadshow to Hong Kong that will take place November 4-9, 2019. The Road Show will take place during Hong Kong Fintech Week, which is organized by Invest Hong Kong. Hong Kong Fintech Week is the most anticipated international financial technology event of the year, which brings together over 10,000 executives, entrepreneurs, investors and regulators from China, Asia and across the world. The Asia-Pacific Fintech Road Show organized by PHM International include: B2B Matchmaking, Sector briefings, networking events, and visits to the innovation lab (FINTECH) Hong Kong. Find more details about the Fintech Road Show at https://www.phmintl.com/hk-roadshow/ or email Hank Kearney at mailto:Hankk@phmintl.com.

 

November 14-19, 2019: Franchise Trade Mission to Europe – Frankfurt & Budapest

Join the International Franchise Association and the U.S. Commercial Service for this certified franchise trade mission.  Trade missions are an excellent way to maximize the impact of your international development budget, and U.S. Commercial Service officers have experience leading certified trade missions all over the globe, plus in-country staff are valuable and cost-effective resources for busy franchisors. Here are just a few of the benefits offered to mission participants:

  • A customized schedule of one-on-one meetings with key potential partners/ regional investors
  • Expert briefings and site visits
  • First-hand opportunity to assess the culture, political climate, and the markets’ potential for your brand

For an application and agenda, go to www.franchise.org/Europe2019

 

November 18-22, 2019: U.S. Additive Manufacturing Trade Mission to Europe

The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration’s Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) is organizing this Mission to France, Germany, and Poland. This mission is designed to help export-ready U.S. companies launch or increase their export business in the rapidly advancing AM and 3D printing industries in these countries. Mission participants will benefit from expert briefings provided by public and private sector specialists, on each country’s commercial framework and the local AM market. Strategic focus on AM development, R&D, and commercial integration will be included in the briefings to emphasize American standards and increase competitiveness. For information and an application, please see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=39545&InputType=EVENT.  For questions, contact Dan.kim@trade.gov or 312.353.5097.

 

February 9-17, 2020:  EnviroTech Executive Service: Water Mission to India

Water/wastewater is one of the most promising sub-sectors for U.S. exporters in India's environmental technologies industry.  The Environmental Executive Mission to India, organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, will introduce U.S. delegates to the Indian water/wastewater markets in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Chennai; help participants learn about relevant policies, procedures and opportunities in India’s water industry; and take part in business-to-business matchmaking appointments with private sector organizations and government agencies.  In addition, the delegates will have an opportunity to visit/participate in the Water Expo 2020 (www.waterexpo.biz) trade show taking place February 13-15 in Chennai. Locations: New Delhi, Ahmedabad & Chennai with optional spin-off Gold Key Service in Mumbai or Hyderabad.  Dates: February 9-15, 2020 (spin-off on February 17, 2020).  For information & an application, please see: https://2016.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=39671&InputType=EVENT or contact Jolanta.coffey@trade.gov & Malarvizhi.parimel@trade.gov , with cc to Debra.Rogers@trade.gov

 

April 20-27, 2020: TradeWinds Mission & Business Forum - Hong Kong

SAVE THE DATE. The largest annual U.S Department of Commerce-led Trade Mission is headed to Hong Kong and the Indo-Pacific April 20-27, 2020. Sign up to receive e-mail updates so you'll be the first to know when registration opens September 3, and bookmark our event page at https://live.eventtia.com/es/tradewinds2020 to keep checking back for additional updates. Learn more about the Trade Winds Experience! See highlights from last year's program:  https://live.eventtia.com/es/tradewinds2020/India-Highlights. Questions? Email TradeWinds@trade.gov 

Other Opportunities and Events

October 9, 2019: Meet with Nigerian Agribusiness Decision-Makers: Business Briefing – Omaha, NE 

Substantial growth in Africa’s agribusiness sector presents new market opportunities for U.S. equipment, technology and service providers. According to a 2016 World Bank report, agribusiness in Africa could create a trillion-dollar food market by 2030. There is significant demand for agricultural tractors, agricultural chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides), irrigation systems, food (grain and fruit) processing and storage systems. The U.S. Trade Development Agency is coordinating a delegation of public and private sector agribusiness leaders from Nigeria to visit the United States and meet with U.S. agricultural equipment manufacturers and providers of cutting-edge U.S. technologies and services.  Attend the Business Briefing to learn about upcoming opportunities in large-scale agribusiness projects, meet with buyers, and gain market intelligence. Host the delegation for a meeting or site to highlight your company’s products, technologies, best practices, equipment and/or services. GMC is organizing this visit on behalf of USTDA, please contact Olympia Brescia for inquiries: obrescia@gmc-ideas.com or 1.781.641.2900. Register here.