CS Grand Rapids Local Partners
The Grand Rapids office of the U.S. Commercial Service partners with a number of organizations in order to better support West Michigan’s exporters. By supporting and being part of an export assistance ecosystem, the Grand Rapids office helps to ensure exporters get the assistance they need.
OUR EXPORT ASSISTANCE PARTNERS
The West Michigan District Export Council provides practical, hands-on consulting. MDEC volunteers are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to work in conjunction with the USCS: www.exportwestmichigan.com.
SBA is an independent agency of the federal government that helps to start, build, and grow businesses: www.sba.gov.
EX-IM is the official export credit agency of the U.S. They offer trade finance and credit solutions: www.exim.gov.
MEDC increases Michigan’s export opportunities by helping businesses identify and enter key international markets: www.michiganbusiness.org/export.
MDARD helps Michigan food and agriculture companies enter new markets or expand existing markets to increase international market reach: www.michigan.gov/agexport.
SBDC provides no-cost business consulting, secondary market research, business education and technology commercialization to businesses across the state: www.sbdcmichigan.org.
GVSU-VAGTC strengthens the community through increased global business by providing international consulting, export/import training, networking and resources: www.vagtc.org.
MSU-IBC provides education, research, and assistance to businesses on international business and trade: www.ibc.msu.edu.
The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce provides experience, expertise, and events to help businesses thrive: www.grandrapids.org.
The Right Place offers West Michigan businesses confidential, comprehensive business assistance services: www.rightplace.org.
Southwest Michigan First is an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic growth in Southwest Michigan: www.southwestmichiganfirst.com.
Networks Northwest helps businesses start, grow and stay in the Northern Michigan area: networksnorthwest.org.
Automation Alley connects industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan’s economy and accelerate innovation: www.automationalley.com.
World Affairs Council is a resource for West Michigan businesses for news, events, programs and forums featuring experts on topics of international interest: www.worldmichigan.org.
West Michigan World Trade Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the region’s competitive edge in the global marketplace, while providing a forum for executives interested in sharing their experiences and honing their skills in international trade: www.wmwta.org.