International trade currently dominates news headlines, and the stakes are high for small and medium-sized manufacturers in Illinois to sell overseas.

To learn how to mitigate risk and prepare for global opportunities, IMEC and the Chicago Regional Growth Corporation (CRGC) partner to offer an intensive training program called ExporTech. ExporTech is a nationwide program that provides personalized coaching to a small group of manufacturers with their development of a strategic plan for international sales. Over the course of three months, each company receives custom market research to narrow down their target markets. The course covers

• export best practices
• payment options
• market entry and sales channels
• logistics and shipping

ExporTech includes one-on-one sessions with relevant service providers. ExporTech is held 3-4 times per year.  27 area companies have successfully graduated from the ExporTech program since 2016.

CRGC and IMEC talked to Larry Siegal, Sales Manager at Vogel Tool & Die in Addison, to hear firsthand about his company’s participation in ExporTech. 

Calling all Chicago metro manufacturers with an eye on global sales!

Are you struggling to take advantage of growth opportunities in global markets?

Are you re-actively selling to international customers who find you, rather than taking a proactive and strategic approach to international sales?

If YES… ExporTech could be the answer.

Calling all South Suburban Cook County manufacturers with an eye on global sales!

Are you struggling to take advantage of growth opportunities in global markets?

Are you re-actively selling to international customers who find you, rather than taking a proactive and strategic approach to international sales?

If YES… ExporTech could be the answer.

What does Metro Chicago Exports Do?

Building Connections. Through our network of service providers and other partners, Metro Chicago Exports provides vetted referrals to help companies hit the ground running with an exporting strategy.

In 2016 Metro Chicago Exports established partnerships with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), U.S. Commercial Service, and Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank).

Calling all manufacturers with an eye on global sales!

Are you re-actively selling to international customers who find you, rather than taking a proactive and strategic approach to international sales?

Are you struggling to take advantage of growth opportunities in global markets?
If YES… ExporTech could be the answer.

Don't miss an opportunity to access funding to get your company on the path to exporting!

Small and medium-sized companies located in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties that are existing exporters or new-to-export with fewer than 500 employees are encouraged to apply.

The single-round 2016 Grant Program will award up to $5,000 to small and medium-sized companies in the seven-county region to reimburse 50% of eligible expenses associated with implementing an export plan. More information about eligible expenses can be found in this Frequently Asked Questions document.

Are you struggling to take advantage of growth opportunities in global markets?

Are you re-actively selling to international customers who find you, rather than taking a proactive and strategic approach to international sales?

If YES... ExporTech could be the answer. 

Taking on the International Market

Presented by Laurel Delaney, Founder & President of GlobeTrade.com

On May 28th, join IMEC, the SIUE International Trade Center and Small Business Development Center for a special presentation on "Go Global in the Digital Age". Register online by visiting commerce.cashnet.com/siuebus for only $15.

In order to remain competitive, businesses must be ready to adapt to the changing nature of the international trade environment. Global Small Business Blog creator Laurel Delaney will provide expert insight on export readiness and how to expand your business in a global market.

CE Marking Workshop

Learn the Step-by-Step Process for Complying with Europe's CE Mark

Are you a manufacturer doing business internationally? Among the critical compliance standards of the U.S. there may be others to identify. The CE mark is a growing standard that may be costly for U.S. manufacturers, but will allow your organization to adhere to EU product safety regulations.