On average, participating companies generate $770k in new export sales.
Chicago Regional Growth Corporation (CRGC), with support from Cook County, partners and sponsors, will offer two sessions of ExporTechTM in 2020. ExporTech is a nationally recognized program that helps small- and mid-sized companies boost their sales through exports.
“The big question facing many businesses today is, ‘Where is your next customer going to come from?’ and ExporTech helps businesses answer that question,” explained Tom Hulseman, Executive Director, Chicago Regional Growth Corporation.
ExporTech provides companies with a systematic process for entering or expanding in global markets and connects them with international business experts from across the region. The program assists participants in developing a peer-reviewed export growth plan in approximately ten weeks, quickly moving them from planning to executing export sales growth.
Nearly thirty states across the U.S. now offer ExporTech. On average, participating companies that complete the ExporTech program report:
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- $770,000 in new export sales,
- New export sales within 6 months of completing the program, and
- Cost and investment savings of $91,000.
This hands-on, content rich program involves a unique combination of innovative group sessions, customized market research and individualized coaching that takes place over three, day-long training sessions. Normally this unique program costs $5,000, but will be offered for $750 for qualified companies located in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.
ExporTech will be offered twice in 2020. Companies may choose either series, and up to three participants per company are welcome to attend.
In addition to CRGC, ExporTech planning partners include Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), NIST/MEP, U.S. Commercial Service, Small Business Development Centers of Illinois, and Cook County. More information, including the ExporTech enrollment form, is available at www.chicagoregionalgrowth.com.
Companies that complete ExporTech will be eligible to apply for the CRGC Export Grant. The grant program awards up to $5,000 to help small- and medium-sized companies in Northeastern Illinois implement their export plan. The grant reimburses 50% of eligible export-related expenses. More details are available at www.chicagoregionalgrowth.com.
CRGC is the regional economic development organization that drives collaboration among public and private partners in order to generate inclusive growth and prosperity across Northeastern Illinois. With support and participation from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties and the City of Chicago, CRGC bridges local, state and federal resources that are integral to prioritizing, aligning and coordinating economic development activities to increase the region’s competitiveness and grow jobs.