• Events

Automation Alley Trade Missions Your Gateway to New, High-Growth Markets.

Gov Whitmer Announces $1.4 Million in Export Assistance Funds Available for Michigan Small Businesses

by | Sep 20, 2022

Summary

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation today to announce Michigan has received the top award in the nation from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program for the upcoming fiscal year. Michigan received $1.4 million in federal grant funds – the maximum amount awarded by the SBA – to help Michigan small businesses grow in the state through increased access to global markets.

This year marks the 10th year of STEP funding, which has awarded more than $13 million to the state of Michigan since its inception. Since 95 percent of the world’s consumers and two-thirds of all purchasing power are located outside the United States, this grant program plays a critical role in providing access to capital, markets, and buyers. “These STEP grants will help businesses across Michigan gain access to international markets and create new revenue streams to compete in today’s global economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “I will work with anyone and compete with everyone to grow our economy by bringing home big projects and empowering small businesses. This funding from the SBA will help even more Michigan companies expand and compete worldwide. Because of our hardworking people and innovative small businesses, unemployment is low and our economy continues to grow. We will keep using every tool and resource we have to move Michigan forward.

”Administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade program, this year’s SBA award supports export development for small- and medium-sized businesses through financial assistance grants for virtual and in-person trade missions, international sales trips, and trade shows along with website translation, search engine optimization, international certifications, and more.

Read more here

Automation Alley

More

The Future of EV Batteries

One of the biggest hurdles for the public in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) is limited battery performance. Current EV batteries aren’t perfect, so at Michigan State University (MSU), we are using fundamental material science and new chemistry research to produce...

Related

The Future of EV Batteries

The Future of EV Batteries

At Michigan State University, researchers are advancing battery technology to improve EV energy density, safety, fast charging, and weight reduction, while developing swappable battery modules and working towards a prototype electric car built entirely through MSU research.