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75% Reimbursement for International Trade Activities

75% Reimbursement for International Trade Activities

Michigan manufacturing firms are eligible for grants to improve website, social media, digital advertising and more 

Inbound 281 and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center - Northeast Office (MMTC-NE) are excited to alert small-to-medium Michigan manufacturing companies to a new grant program that helps companies improve their digital marketing. 

Among the opportunities covered by the grant are:

  • International website improvements
  • Social media and online advertising
  • Cost of Compliance Testing
  • Sample Product Shipping
  • Export Training Workshops
  • U.S. Dept. of Commerce Services

Up to $15,000 is available. The grant is offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Michigan State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP).

 

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The Go-To Resource

MMTC-Northeast Director Jeremy Bockleman recommends manufacturers interested in taking advantage of the grants contact Inbound 281 or MMTC-NE for strategic and tactical guidance. 

“We can help in multiple ways,” says Bockelman. “We are very familiar with MEDC and MI-STEP. We have helped many companies successfully apply, qualify, implement and comply with grants from these state entities. And our Growth Services are made for helping companies take advantage of these opportunities.”

“It is not often that MEDC includes marketing funds in grants," Bockelman says. “Those who want to benefit should act soon before grant funding dries up.”

$1.85 million is available in fiscal year 2021.

What Are "Growth Services for Manufacturers?"

Growth Services from MMTC and Inbound 281 are a package of flexible, affordable marketing specialties. “Growth Services include website design and programming, digital advertising, social media, and much more,” says Inbound 281 CEO Mark Parent.

Inbound 281 provides the strategic and tactical expertise for Growth Services. Growth Services help companies: 

  • Attract more leads
  • Generate more sales
  • Align sales, marketing and customer support teams
  • Increase revenue and profits
  • Accelerate growth
  • Improve customer satisfaction

“Inbound 281 is skilled at website development, search engine optimization, digital advertising and more,” says Bockelman. “We partnered with them because they know the digital landscape and they know the SMB manufacturing. They build websites and digital campaigns that produce results.”

“Now is a great time to leverage this opportunity to improve or launch an international business channel. These funds are very generous and will allow us to deliver a comprehensive campaign to support any manufacturer’s growth goals.” 

Allowable Marketing Uses of MI-STEP Funds

The MI-STEP program offers financial assistance for exporting activities to eligible Michigan small businesses, enabling access to global markets and buyers. 

MI-STEP funds are available for fiscal year 2021. Among the allowable uses of grant funds are: 

  • International website design
  • Website development and translation
  • Website maintenance and monitoring
  • Search engine optimization and localization
  • E-commerce fees, including hosting and maintenance 
  • Design and translation of international marketing media, including social media and digital ads

To learn more about Manufacturing Growth Services, visit web.the-center.org or click the button below to schedule a conversation. To learn more about the MI-STEP program, click here. 

Ultimate Guide to Growth Services

 

About MMTC - Northeast Office

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan's small and medium-sized businesses compete and grow. The MMTC is dedicated to supporting Michigan manufacturers to work smarter, to compete and to prosper. The Center offers personalized consulting services that enable Michigan manufacturers to operate smarter, compete and prosper. We develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, assist with navigating through governmental and industry regulations, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Visit www.the-center.org, call 989.964.2884, or email hkmotley@SVSU.edu

 

About Inbound 281

Inbound 281 is metro Detroit’s premier inbound marketing agency. As a Growth Agency, we help Michigan manufacturers with all the strategies and tools they need to grow better — whether you want to increase leads, accelerate sales, streamline customer service, or build a powerful website. Inbound 281 is a Gold Solutions HubSpot Agency and one of only 150 HubSpot Certified Trainers worldwide. Call 800-834-4910 or email hello@inbound281.com

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