The Ohio Development Services Agency promotes export-focused trade missions for the purpose of growing Ohio exports and creating jobs.
Participating in a trade mission provides companies with an opportunity to travel overseas to meet with prospective international business partners face-to-face, greatly enhancing the potential for business success. Trade mission services typically include: business matchmaking, customized market research, in-country business briefings, networking opportunities, in-country support and follow-up assistance.
Ohio small businesses participants may apply for a 50 percent reimbursement through the IMAGE program to offset the participant fees, interpreter fees, market research and appointment-setting fees, economy-class airfare, per-diem lodging and ground transportation for the following missions and tradeshows:
The Ohio Development Services Agency and the Council of Great Lakes Governors are leading a multi-sector trade mission to Australia. Mission participants will receive one-on-one business appointments with prospective partners, follow-up assistance, a market overview with industry information and target company profiles, in-country business briefings and in-country logistics assistance. Visit the IMAGE website to apply for a 50 percent reimbursement. Contact Wes Aubihl at (614) 466-9759.
Deadline to register: February 22, 2013
With more than 17,000 visitors, AIMEX 2013 is the largest mining event in the Asia Pacific Region. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has secured 60 square meters within the U.S. Pavilion, with space to accommodate 16 companies from the Appalachian region. Participation includes space in a custom designed pavilion including design and printing of your graphics, carpeting, electricity, exhibitor passes, basic furniture package and listing in the Guide to US Exhibitors. Companies will also have the option of scheduling one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential partners. For more information please contact Wes Aubihl at (614) 644-9759.
Deadline to register: May 31, 2013.
The Ohio Development Services Agency is leading a plastics and rubber industry-focused trade mission to the Netherlands and Germany. Mission participants will have any opportunity to attend K-Fair, the largest plastics and rubber trade show in the world, which only occurs once every three years. In addition to attending the show, mission participants will receive one-on-one business appointments with prospective partners, follow-up assistance, a market overview with industry information and target company profiles, in-country business briefings, in-country logistics assistance and networking opportunities. Contact Kim Holizna at (330) 672-4081 or Emily Tucker at (614) 466-5336 to sign up.
Deadline to register: July 19, 2013
The Ohio Development Services Agency and Food Export Association invite U.S. food companies to join a Focused Food Trade Mission to Brazil and Chile. In addition to one-on-one meetings with buyers and opportunities to learn about these two very unique markets, this mission will include a market analysis of your products prior to the visit, an in-market briefing, tours of food service providers, supermarket retail tours, buyer meetings, a product showcase, assistance with lead follow-up and a networking reception. Contact Tim Sword at (614) 728-3120 to sign up.
Deadline to register: August 21, 2013. Early deadline: July 10, 2013.
For a complete list of eligible USCS trade missions, please click here
For a complete list of eligible Food Export trade missions, please click here