CS Grand Rapids Local 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.