METRO CHICAGO EXPORTS 2016 GRANT PROGRAM
Metro Chicago Exports is launching the 2016 Grant Program, presented by JP Morgan Chase & Co., on April 4,2016. Online Client Assessments will be accepted through May 27, 2016.
Metro Chicago Exports works with small and medium-sized companies in the seven-county region, helping businesses navigate and address financial, structural and other barriers to exporting.
Small and medium-sized companies drive the regional economy through innovation and job creation. MetroChicago Exports invests in small and medium-sized companies to enable them to increase their global reach andfurther the region’s economic competitiveness.
GRANT PROGRAM SPECIFICS
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.
In fall 2016, Metro Chicago Exports will host a pitch fest during which both 2015 and 2016 grant recipients will be eligible to submit a pitch for additional funding. Information about the pitch fest will be shared at a later date.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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 application process involves two steps – an initial online Client Assessment and a formal Grant Application review of export plans, capabilities and potential. Companies that pass the Client Assessment phase will be invited to submit more comprehensive information about their plans to go global as part of the Grant Application process. If potential barriers to maximizing export potential are identified during the Client Assessment, companies may be referred to export service providers to assist them in formulating international export plans.
WHAT GRANTS MAY COVER
The 2016 Grant Program awards may be used for the following services including, but not limited to:
AWARD NOTIFICATIONS: Winners will be notified of their grant award on or around July 11, 2016.
|
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CONSULTING
FINANCING
|
COMPLIANCE
MARKETING
TRAVEL |
Companies may utilize grant funding for multiple services and activities. Final use of funds must be preapproved
by the Metro Chicago Exports Program Manager.
Click Here for PDF version & click here for the FAQ file.