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WEDC details grants, mission calendar and deadlines to help Wisconsin exporters navigate tariffs
Summary
WEDC staff described grant support (IMAG), upcoming trade missions to Mexico and Germany, and a March 15 application window close for certain funds, urging exporters to apply early and use trade representatives.
Erin, representing the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), outlined available state support for exporters and upcoming trade missions.
She said WEDC is compiling a tariff navigation guide and reiterated that International Market Access Grants (IMAG) support short-term export activities such as trade shows, website internationalization, marketing and consulting. Erin said non-ExportTech companies qualify for up to three grants of up to $10,000 each (one per year), while ExportTech graduates are eligible for up to six grants of up to $30,000 (one per year).
Erin noted that certain grant windows will close on March 15 and that companies approved in the current fiscal cycle have until Dec. 31, 2026 to complete projects and 90 days beyond that to submit reimbursement documentation. She encouraged earlier applications to speed underwriting and contracting.
She reviewed recent and planned trade missions: a virtual pivot to Canada when in-person meetings proved difficult, a Mexico mission (Monterrey/Mexico City) in late February with public- and private-sector partners and 12 companies signed, and a Germany mission in June timed with Wisconsin’s sister-state anniversary in Hessen. Erin said recruitment is open and missions are subsidized to keep costs low for small and medium enterprises.
WEDC staff also summarized their global trade team and invited companies to contact WEDC trade representatives for market-specific help and to sign up for missions and grant programs.
