Michigan entrepreneurs are invited to learn about opportunities and trends in top export markets during workshops held this month throughout the state and sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
“The Global Trade Days events are designed for Michigan companies, to introduce them to the ins and outs of global trade in five key markets, and how to leverage these opportunities to improve their bottom line,” says Michael A. Finney, president and CEO of the MEDC. He notes that the benefits of export sales include diversification of customer bases, longer-term stability, and the ability to support higher paying jobs.
The workshops — which will take place in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Troy, and Novi, Oct. 13-17 — will touch on topics including the State Trade and Export Promotion program, which provides reimbursements to eligible companies for their international marketing-related activities and has resulted in new export sales of more than $300 million since its launch.
On site will be market specialists from Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil, and United Arab Emirates, which are among Michigan’s top export markets. Michigan companies exported nearly $26.2 million in goods and services to Canada alone in 2013.
Business owners in attendance can also request one-on-one meetings with these specialists by registering beforehand.
“In today’s globally interconnected world, export sales offer extraordinary opportunities for Michigan companies to grow and create new jobs,” says Gov. Rick Snyder. “These workshops will help Michigan companies learn how to tap into those markets, and diversify their customer bases. We are looking to extend export opportunities to more Michigan companies, and ensure they are connected with the resources to explore new markets, access existing export resources, and increase global competitiveness.”
For more information, or to register, click here.
