Genesee County Companies Encouraged to Apply
Local companies can still benefit from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Pure Michigan State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant money for export related activities. The grant program has been renewed for 2013. Proposals for the $150,000 will be accepted in the New Year.
Companies can qualify for up to $25,000 in assistance to offset a portion of their export marketing-related costs. Eligible activities include: foreign market sales trips, foreign trade shows, foreign trade missions and translations of materials and websites. Local companies including the CFI Medical, Genesee Packaging and Coffee Beanery have already benefited from STEP grants.
The Michigan STEP is a statewide effort designed to spur job creation and is intended to assist companies in exploring the export market. The program, which is funded by MEDC through an SBA grant, helps eliminate the cost barriers to exporting by providing financial assistance to qualified organizations seeking entry and expansion in foreign markets.
The Regional Chamber Economic Development team can provide additional assistance for companies in the region looking to explore global possibilities. For more information contact Janice Karcher at (810) 600-1430 or jkarcher@thegrcc.org .
For more information on the STEP program and the grant application process, visit www.michiganadvantage.org/STEP.
