Global Business Development Program

							                      Global Business Development Program
The Global Business Development Program aids the growth and expansion of Wisconsin exports
by providing matching grant funding to Wisconsin businesses for executing their medium- to
long-term export strategies.

The program consists of two grant components that are designed with flexibility to best meet the
specific export strategy needs of the Wisconsin company. A company must apply for the Global
Business Development Program and be approved before expenses are incurred. This program
requires a cost-match in which the recipient is required to provide matching funds of at least 25%
of the total activity budget.


Assistance for new-to-exporting firms: Export Development Grant
  This component is designed to help propel small-and medium-sized Wisconsin companies to
  become export-ready and to better assist them in developing the internal competence to enter
  and expand into global markets. A Wisconsin company can be reimbursed up to $3,000 in a
  12-month period for expenses associated with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
  (WEDC) approved export training and development activities.

Suggested Eligible Expenses
                Funding for new-to-export companies to participate in WEDC-approved export
                 seminars and educational events, including:
                      Attendance at international and export-related programs including
                       conferences, seminars, meetings, webinars, etc.
                      International training module(s) that have been developed in accordance
                       with NASBITE (North American Small Business International Trade
                       Educators) guidelines for the CGBP (Certified Global Business
                       Professionals) credential.
                      Could it be used to cover tuition for a university or tech college export
                       marketing class or program.
                Expenses associated with developing an export marketing strategy
Ineligible Expenses
               Membership fees to join industry-specific or trade-related associations.
               Subscriptions to relevant industry and/or trade publications.



Assistance for exporters to access and develop new markets: International
Market Access Grant
  Wisconsin companies that have made some successful export sales can be reimbursed for
  specific expenses associated with executing their new and/or expanded international market
  access strategy. We encourage companies to submit one application per fiscal year. This
  application should describe an export strategy for target markets, related activities and project
  budget. Under this component, a Wisconsin company can receive up to $10,000 in a 12-month
  period.

Suggested Eligible Expenses
               Company Trade Show Exhibition, including:
                  Exhibit and booth costs at an appropriate industry trade show/conference
                    located outside the U.S. where the Wisconsin company’s name and/or
                    logo is prominently displayed(funding provided to exhibit a maximum of
                    two times per international show).
                     Shipping charges; to and from the show, for booth, display, samples,
                      literature and/or equipment.
                     Design, creation, and construction costs for a temporary booth for trade-
                      only exhibits held outside of the U.S.
                     Costs incurred for utilities, booth construction, insurance, equipment
                      rental, furnishings, badge scanners, setup charges and necessary
                      modifications.
                     Costs associated with foreign language translation of brochures and
                      product information or with the use of in-country interpreter services at an
                      industry appropriate trade show or matchmaker trade delegation program.

               Business Services provided by WEDC Global Network (Market Assessment,
                Partner Search, Appointment Arrangement)
                     WEDC will reimburse the company for up to 50% of each service cost
                     Where the WEDC is unable to provide a contracted service provider, the
                      WEDC will reimburse for a service performed by a WEDC approved 3rd
                      party provider
               Certified/Sanctioned Overseas Trade Missions
                   Foreign contractor and business matchmaker services (where WEDC is
                      unable to assist and does not have a formal international contract
                      representative).
                   Costs associated with foreign language translation of brochures and product
                      information or with the use of in-country interpreter services during a
                      sanctioned overseas trade mission.
               Website and Company/Product Literature Localization and Translation for
                International Markets.
                   Hiring a firm to adapt an existing website, brochure or catalog to local
                      language and culture in a market.

               Consulting Services Needed to Meet Certification Standards to Export a
                Product, such as:
                   CE Mark Certification
                   China Compulsory Certification (CCC)
                   Legal, professional, and government fees incurred for (A) first time
                     trademark registrations, and (B) first time device registrations
Ineligible Expenses
  Business and marketing-related expenses that are considered “costs of doing business” are not
  eligible for reimbursement. Examples of ineligible expenses are listed below. This list should
  not be considered complete:
               Other business service providers currently subsidized by the federal government
                will not be allowed (ex. Food Export Association)
               Salaries, living expenses, office costs, allowances, office parking fees
               Communications costs relating to international trade show participation (hotel
                and cell phone charges, Internet usage, other business center charges)
               Airfare, mileage and lodging
               Passport and visa costs
               Travel and expenses for non-company employees including consultants,
                interpreters, independent representatives, distributors and dealers
               Refundable deposits and advances
               Design of marketing materials and websites used exclusively for domestic
                markets
                Rental, lease or purchase of warehouse space
                Purchase, construction or lease of space for permanent displays (i.e., displays
                 lasting beyond a one-year activity plan)
                Meals, reception refreshments, entertainment, or gifts
                Business cards, seasonal greeting cards or subscriptions to publications
                Product research and development
                Capital expenditures

Qualification
  To qualify for Global Business Development Program funding, the Wisconsin company or
  organization must:
                Be an established business operating in Wisconsin that manufacturers, processes,
                 assembles and/or distributes a product or performs a service with a potential to
                 be exported. The company does not need to be headquartered in Wisconsin but
                 must have export-related operations located within the state.
                Provide assurance that at least 50% of the manufactured value of the product or
                 of the performance value of the service is produced in Wisconsin.
                Submit a complete Global Business Development Program application to the
                 WEDC and obtain approval prior to incurring expenses for qualifying
                 activity(ies).
                Agree to complete program evaluations.
                For Export Development Grant funding, a company must meet the above
                 requirements and be relatively new-to-export and/or demonstrate a specific
                 export development need within the company (some exceptions may apply).
Note: The program’s fiscal year is July 1-June 30. Companies are eligible for up to $10,000 from
the International Market Access Grant and $3,000 from the Export Development Grant in a fiscal
year. Please plan applications accordingly. If you have questions about this, please contact Quinn
Bottum at the contact information below.

Application Process
  Complete application:
  Submit to: Mr. Quinn Bottum, 608-210-6728, Quinn.bottum@wedc.org


  Application                                                                 documents must be
  submitted to the WEDC at least two months prior to the date of the proposed event/activities
  and must be submitted in electronic format. A company must apply for the Global Business
  Development Program and be approved prior to incurring expenses for reimbursement.
  Completed applications will be reviewed and approved within 10 business days of receipt.




Reimbursement Process
  The Global Business Development Program is a reimbursable grant program. Following the
  completion of the approved international event and/or activity, companies must submit an
  invoice with supporting documentation to request reimbursement from the WEDC. Grant
  monies must be expended within 12 months of award. Companies may request additional
  funds and/or change activity plans by completing an amendment form.

Program Contact
  Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
  Global Business Development Program
  201 W. Washington Avenue
  Madison, WI 53703
  Attn: Mr. Quinn Bottum
  608-210-6728
  Quinn.bottum@wedc.org