Upcoming Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities

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Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities



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

SBA

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

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.

 

Details regarding the relief provisions and contact information for EXIM program representatives may be found here.

 


Other Resources

 

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

Hosted by the Advanced Manufacturing Team and the Southwest Network, the 3-part series featured US manufacturers and industry experts who shared how current profound and abrupt shifts in output (some into new sectors altogether) have impacted their short and long-range business planning and resiliency. 

 

To access a recap of the series and the audio-only replay, please visit the Advanced Manufacturing Team’s website at:  https://www.trade.gov/us-manufacturers-response-pivot-and-look-ahead.

 

Thank you for your support and for joining us! 

 

Infrastructure Projects in Mexico - Webinar 

Mexico plans to invest $43 billion to improve its infrastructure by 2024. This is expected to include updating their freight rail, public transportation, oil and gas operations, ports, and airports. Join the International Trade Administration (ITA) on Tuesday, April 28, to learn about the rapidly evolving opportunities in Mexico's infrastructure, the reasons to consider doing business in Mexico, how project tenders have continued during the COVID shutdown, and the resources available to support your company. 

 

This webinar is part of ITA's Infrastructure Webinar Series, which focuses on upcoming government announced  infrastructure projects in Latin America. These sectors include, but are not limited to, architecture, engineering, construction, building products, airports, ports, transportation, housing, and environmental technologies. Other markets in this series include Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, the Caribbean Region, and the Central America Region. Register now!

 

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

Join U.S. Commercial Service representative in this Government Connection on Wednesday, May 6th 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

 

 

Womens Global Trade Event

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!

 

The U.S. Commercial Service Educator-to-Educator (E2E) Virtual Connection Program

 In this virtual matchmaking program, U.S. universities, colleges, and secondary institutions will have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with agents, counselors, and university partners from overseas and meet with them virtually through your choice of technology. Each school will be able to promote their institution in these 40-minute meetings. After the fair, each school will receive contact details of all international agents and counselors that registered for the program, helping you quickly build a network of reliable contacts throughout the world. Register Today!

 

Date and Time June 8 - 12, 2020; 4:00 am - 11:00 pm Eastern (Meeting times will vary based upon your own schedule)

Cost $250

Contact for more information: Mindi Hertzog, mindi.hertzog@trade.gov

 

 

Registration for Discover Global Markets: Growth Opportunities in Intelligent Manufacturing in Indianapolis, October 7-9, 2020, is open. 

Discover Global Markets: Growth Opportunities in Intelligent Manufacturing will cut across smart technology aspects of various industries, including automotive, healthcare, aerospace and energy storage. Products and services may include manufacturing machinery, composites, electric and autonomous vehicles, next generation batteries, automation products, supply and security solutions, wearables, sensors and digital services, among others.

 

See the official site for more information and registration.