MaryBeth Matzek: Grant program changes look to boost business’ exports

This is an excerpt from a column posted at BizOpinion.

Businesses that export tend to have a healthier bottom line since they draw from a larger customer base. To encourage more businesses to look beyond U.S. borders, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is rolling out several changes to its exporting grant programs.

The WEDC is altering its International Market Access Grant and Collaborative Market Access Grant by increasing the amount of money available to companies, says Monica Wahlberg, international grants manager for the WEDC.

The maximum award for the IMAG, which provides funding for companies to participate in trade trips, overseas meetings or to receive export education or consulting services, increased from $10,000 to $25,000 per award. For the CMAG, which helps industry associations and other organizations work directly with companies to increase exports, the amount rose from $50,000 to $150,000 with a maximum of $15,000 going to any single business.

“By increasing the amount available, we’re hoping to encourage companies to think more strategically when it comes to their exporting plans,” Wahlberg says.

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