Interested in what MEDC International Trade clients have to say about these resources? Click the video below to hear what Jason Schneider, Port-Huron-based BioPro’s director of business development, says on expanding globally.

Not only is this week World Trade Week, it is also National Small Business Week! To discuss the growth opportunities available to Michigan’s 900,000+ small businesses through expansion into international markets, Alyssa Tracey, MEDC’s Director of International Trade, sat down with Josh Billington, Assistant State Director of Strategic Innovation Operations with the Small Business Development Center.

Michigan Celebrates Small Business is an organization that advocates for and fosters the entrepreneurial spirit in Michigan and does so in part by recognizing the state’s top growth companies during an annual gala. This year’s gala, which took place Tuesday, May 3, recognized 50 Companies to Watch, including many of MEDC’s successful International Trade clients. Congratulations to Able Medical Devices (Gwinn), Cobra AERO (Hillsdale), Dechen Consulting (Farmington Hills), Orion Hunting Products (Iron Mountain), Singh Automation (Portage), and Ultimation (Roseville).

Doing Business in Mexico Seminar: Companies interested in expanding sales to Mexico are invited to join experts on May 24 for an exciting presentation on the region’s manufacturing and technological trends that have transformed the nation into a global innovation center. Speakers will discuss market-entry strategies that will help grow your business in Mexico while overcoming hurdles of doing business internationally. For companies interested in exploring trade and investment opportunities in Mexico firsthand, Automation Alley's September trade mission will also be discussed.

Mexico Legal, Tax, Fiscal, and Supply Chain Update: The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce Great Lakes Chapter and Automation Alley invite exporters to this event on May 26 to discuss the latest developments in Mexico from the legal, tax, fiscal and supply chain perspective.

Mexico Trade Mission: Automation Alley is leading a trade mission to Querétaro and Guadalajara, Mexico September 20-25, 2022. Companies interested in expanding their business into Michigan’s second-largest export market are invited to join.

Mexico is a nation with a strong demand for the following Michigan-made products, services, and technologies:

• Aerospace
• Automotive components and supplies
• Design, engineering, and manufacturing services
• Environmental technologies
• Healthcare and medical
• IT and information communication technologies

It’s expected that cybercrime costs $10.5 trillion annually, making it the world’s 3rd largest economy if cybercrime were a country. MEDC’s trusted legal partners at Foster Swift have the experience to assist your company in developing a plan to protect against cyberattacks, data breaches, and an expanding array of cyber threats. Talk to your International Trade Manager about scheduling a free consultation with Foster Swift’s cybersecurity experts, John Mashni and recently named Super Lawyer, Taylor Gast.

Foster Swift also monitors a cybersecurity hotline 24/7 to help Michigan companies defend against cyberattacks day and night. If you’re having a cybersecurity emergency, call 517-FS1-TASK (517-371-8275) to speak with a cybersecurity attorney.

May 18: Advanced Manufacturing Opportunities and Trends in Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan
Companies are invited to join the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Commercial Service for a conversation with industry experts and U.S. Embassy commercial specialists in Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan. Learn more about opportunities in these markets and the upcoming Official U.S. Department of Commerce Advanced Manufacturing Business Development Mission here on October 17-21, 2022. The mission includes an opportunity to exhibit at the Hannover Messe ITAP Show in Singapore for up to six eligible companies. Interested in joining? Contact International Trade Manager, David Newhouse, to save your spot today.

May 19: Navigating Spain
The Van Andel Global Trade Center is hosting a virtual event on best practices for doing business in the Spanish market, as well as how to maneuver through cultural nuances business professionals often face while working with or traveling to Spain.

May 25: Meet with the U.S. Export-Import Bank
The U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Export Import Bank will be holding joint meetings during World Trade Month to give Michigan companies the tools to increase global sales. Learn how these federal agencies can help you grow your exports through trade counseling, international matchmaking, resources on financing production, and open account terms by emailing Jennifer Loffredo to sign up.

May 26: Early Export Assistance Program
Join the Small Business Development Center for a discussion of services that can help your company, including improving your website with International Search Engine Optimizations, budgeting for international expansion, accessing financial assistance funds, and exploring markets that are ripe for your products or services.