Thank you for the interest in Manufacturing Month. October 2025 programming is now complete. If you would like to learn more about a topic of interest or discuss plans for October 2026, please reach out to Chris.Petersen@trade.gov and Alexandra.Natale@trade.gov. Thank you to our partners, sponsors, speakers, and attendees. We look forward to welcoming you back for Manufacturing Month 2026.”
Manufacturer Makes $3.2 Million Export Sale and Hires More Skilled Laborers
After receiving in-depth export counseling from the U.S. Commercial Service, ALKAR felt confident about returning to the Mexican market and closed a deal with the Mexican firm worth $3.2 million. ALKAR hired several skilled laborers to support the new exports to Mexico.
Read Alkar’s Story
Automotive Textile Producer Driven to Succeed in India
U.S. Commercial Service offices in India and Columbia, South Carolina launched a regional International Partner Search to identify Indian firms that were interested in purchasing American Foam and Fabric’s (AFF) products. The U.S. Commercial Service team then arranged several virtual meetings between AFF and these potential Indian partners.
Read AFF’s Story
Crary Industries Reels in Brazilian Business Partner
With the help of an International Partner Search (IPS) and virtual appointments, Crary reached out to thirteen different Brazilian potential partners to gather feedback and seek partners that could represent Crary’s equipment in the Brazilian market.
Read Crary’s Story
Read more American Stories of Global Business Success
Spotlight on U.S. Government Export Resources
U.S. Commercial Service (CS), part of the International Trade Administration
The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) is the trade and investment promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). With a network of 100+ offices across the U.S. and in American embassies and consulates in more than 75 international markets, its mission is to strengthen the U.S. economy and help create jobs by expanding U.S. exports and facilitating inward investment into the United States. It is an export solutions provider, leveraging global connections to help businesses find partners and customers, assist with strategic planning, and provide foreign market and industry intelligence, website globalization support, and assistance in addressing trade issues.
The International Trade Administration, in partnership with multiple federal agencies, can help your business grow global sales! Please see below to learn more about what we do and how we can help and connect to export promotion resources.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. There are 51 MEP Centers in every state and Puerto Rico with over 1,400 trusted advisors and experts that provide U.S. manufacturers with the resources they need to succeed. MEP Centers work with manufacturers to implement lean and process improvement principles, adopt ISO and quality standards, develop new products, find new clients and diversify markets, adopt new technology, enhance value within supply chains, and more. Please see our service offerings below and information on how to contact your local MEP Center.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA’s Office of International Trade helps small businesses go global by providing business intelligence, grants to find customers overseas, and financing to support international sales.
- Looking for information to help you get started? SBA’s Trade Tools for International Sales website includes information on developing an export plan, identifying target markets, U.S. trade agreements, and much more. You can also call SBA’s International Trade Hotline toll-free (855) 722-4877 or email your trade issue to international@sba.gov.
- Are you concerned about the costs of exporting? The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides grants to cover the costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets. Find out if your state or territory is participating.
- Having trouble securing capital to meet your small business exporting needs? SBA’s export loans can be used for working capital to finance foreign sales or for fixed assets, helping you better compete globally. Connect with your regional export finance manager.
Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
EXIM is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. U.S. small businesses play a critical role in creating and supporting American jobs, and nearly 90% of EXIM transactions directly benefit small businesses. EXIM provides export finance solutions to empower these businesses, including companies with fewer than 100 employees or those that have been traditionally underserved, such as minority-owned and woman-owned companies. To achieve this, EXIM offers two primary products: Export Credit Insurance and Working Capital Loan Guarantees, which are designed to help U.S. companies mitigate risk and access working capital so they can confidently export their goods and services worldwide. For more information, please visit EXIM’s website.
U.S. Census Bureau
The Census Bureau is the official source for U.S. export and import statistics and regulations governing the reporting of exports from the U.S. to other countries. The Census Bureau provides extensive outreach and education to its customers on understanding Foreign Trade Regulations, classifying commodities, using the Automated Export System, and utilizing trade data. USA Trade Online allows users to obtain monthly and annual trade statistics at the district and port levels, as well as state exports and imports. For more information, please visit www.census.gov/trade or call (800) 549-0595 and select the appropriate option. In addition to trade data, we also provide a wide range of domestic data, such as payroll, establishments, expenditures, and much more on the manufacturing industry.
Manufacturing Month
Become a Sponsor Today!
Join us in celebrating Manufacturing Month this October! The U.S. Commercial Service is hosting a series of dynamic export sessions throughout the month, these sessions, led by experts from both the private and public sectors, will cover a variety of tradecraft programs and industry-specific opportunities.
As a sponsor, you will gain visibility and recognition among a broad audience, ranging from new-to-export businesses to seasoned exporters. Many of these informative sessions are offered free of charge, providing a unique platform to showcase your support for global trade.
We invite you to be a part of this exciting event by sponsoring and joining us in promoting the growth of global commerce!
$1000-level sponsorships are available
Sponsorship Includes
- Logo on Manufacturing Month website with hyperlink to your website
- Logo placement as sponsor on promotional emails
- Social media promotion of Manufacturing Month website on CS Channels
For more information, please contact:
Christopher.Munoz@trade.gov or Anthony.Sargis@trade.gov
