Commercial Service Illinois continues to provide our clients and partners with counseling and information during this difficult and challenging time. 

Know that we are here for you whether you have questions about the status of an event, need to cancel a service, or are checking on the status of an export market. To learn more about our virtual services, visit Trade.gov/virtual-services.

Our thoughts are with you and the global business community, and we remain firmly committed to serving the needs of U.S. exporters like you. We will continue to evaluate options to ensure we can deliver on the objectives of our mission, and that we consider the safety of all parties involved. Connect with us on social media @USCommercialSvc for our latest updates and resources.

If you have any questions or would like to share helpful resources, please connect with us. We look forward to working with you soon.

For more information on coronavirus, please visit: coronavirus.gov.

• Business Resources
• Other Resources
• Virtual Opportunities

Business Resources

Small Business Administration (SBA): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources   All businesses now eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million per business. The  Paycheck Protection Program designed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed.  Check the website for more programs as well.   Online applications are highly recommended due to the influx of applications. If you have additional questions, please visit SBA.gov/disaster, or the SBA disaster assistance customer service center.   Visit sba.gov/coronavirus for updates on the loan program, guidance for businesses and employers, and other SBA resources.

EXIM Bank Response and Resources activities.The following temporary EXIM programs now available to provide relief to U.S. businesses their buyers, financial institutions, and American workers negatively impacted by COVID-19:   Bridge Financing Program         Pre-Delivery / Pre-Export Financing Program             Supply Chain Financing Guarantee Program             Working Capital Guarantee Program.   On March 12, EXIM announced initial relief measures—waivers, deadline extensions, streamlined processing, flexibility—for its working capital loan guarantee and export credit insurance programs to its customers (primarily U.S. small businesses) for an initial period of 30 days.   Details regarding the relief provisions and contact information for EXIM program representatives may be found here.

Other Resources

• Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know

• What the U.S. Government is Doing
• Center for Disease Control (CDC): COVID-19
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

How to Help: If you are a company with medical supplies to donate or sell, a volunteer who is medically trained, or  a member of the general public

Virtual Opportunities

U.S. Manufacturers Respond,  Pivot and Look Ahead: 3-Part Video Chat Series

Join us for a no-cost, three-part series of 30-minute video discussions moderated by the U.S. Commercial Service with leaders of innovative U.S manufacturers and organizations who will relate how their teams responded to the call for locally produced Personal Protection Equipment and other critical materials.

Our guests will share how these profound and abrupt shifts in output – some into new markets altogether -- will inform their short-term and long-range business planning. 

Register here. 

• Wednesday, April 15, 1:00pm Central Pivot manufacturing to meet today’s critical needs Universal Avionics; PADT, Inc.; Manufacturing Extension Partnership
• Thursday, April 16, 1:00pm Central Manufacturing moves for short term demands re:3D; Essentium, Inc.; America Makes
• Friday, April 17, 1:00pm Central Manufacturers Going Forward - Planning into the Future AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology; McKinsey & Co.

For more information, contact: Molly.Ho@trade.gov;  Pam.Plagens@trade.gov;  Thomas.Hanson@trade.gov

Series: Support for U.S. Exporters During Global Economic Uncertainty

During these uncertain and uncommon times, where can U.S. exporters go for support and information to help their business? Join ITA on April 14 and April 16 for two free webinars featuring finance experts discussing tools available to assist U.S. exporters weathering the economic impact of the Coronavirus. The series will discuss strategies for obtaining credit, working with federal agencies and banking professionals to obtain financing under the CARES Act, and obtaining alternative finance solutions.

Participants will hear from finance experts to answer questions for extending credit to foreign buyers, working with your banker to obtain grants and loans, and alternative financing solutions for small and medium sized companies. Register here. 

Exporting Mechanics II Webinar: ACE Export Reports for Compliance

The U.S. Commercial Service has partnered with The NCBFAA Educational Institute (NCBFAA) to present an exporting mechanics webinar series focused on leading and progressive topics. Join the next webinar ACE Export Reports for Compliance, on April 14th. During this webinar, exporters will cover the ACE reporting that will assist in international transactions.This webinar is part of Exporting Mechanics Webinar Series II and provides U.S. small and medium-sized businesses with intermediate level export information to help them increase exports abroad, while also increasing employment and jobs in the United States. Cost:  $25 per participant. Register here. 

NAFSA Government Connection: Recruiting Virtually with U.S. Commercial Service

Join U.S. Commercial Service representative in this Government Connection on Wednesday, May 6^th at 1:30 p.m. on recruiting international students through the local and global U.S. Commercial Service offices, and virtual programs like webinars and virtual counseling. The Government Connection will also outline tips and examples of how an institution can utilize these services for recruitment during budget constraints.  Registration Link: https://www.nafsa.org/professional-resources/learning-and-training/recruiting-virtually-us-commercial-service

Women's  Global Trade Empowerment Forum” goes VIRTUAL - May 28, 2020   This is a must-attend event for women entrepreneurs who wish to boldly grow their business into new markets! In anticipation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), this dynamic forum provides a truly unique opportunity to gain the tools, skills and networks to build an export strategy and develop business connections. Featuring Industry Leaders from the following sectors: Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Design & Construction, Education, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, and Medical Devices & Services Market Country Outlooks and Global Trade Skills Development B2B and B2G Business Development Meetings Access to Markets, Networks, Mentors, and Capital For more information and to register your interest, visit: https://northtexasdec.regfox.com/wgtefregistration. Please contact Jessica.Gordon@trade.gov or Richard.Swanson@trade.gov for questions regarding the event or sponsorship details.    We look forward to your participation!