Press Room >> 2012 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
January 18, 2012

Ohio Receives Funding to Support Small Business Exports
More than 150 Grant Opportunities to Increase Exports

Columbus, Ohio - Today, the Ohio Department of Development announced the International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) program, which is part of the National Export Initiative to double U.S. exports by 2015. The program is administered through the Department's Office of Export Assistance and is designed to increase exports and create jobs by helping small businesses promote their products and services in new international markets.

"Through IMGAGE grants, the Ohio Department of Development is providing support to Ohio small businesses as they seek to expand their offerings internationally," said Christiane Schmenk, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "By growing markets for Ohio products, we are creating jobs and strengthening our communities."

The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration to establish a three-year trade and export promotion pilot program, known as the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant. The grants are awarded to states to administer export programs that assist eligible small businesses.

Ohio received $983,399 for the first year, which will provide IMAGE grants to companies for activities associated with new international marketing initiatives. Eligible expenses include international tradeshows, translation services, exporter education programs, international trade missions, subscription to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and other export-related initiatives approved by the Ohio Department of Development.

Ohio's IMAGE program will award 111 grants at a maximum amount of $6,000 to each grantee, a 50 percent reimbursement on qualified expenditures. An additional 48 grants worth up to $3,000 are available for companies electing to participate in approved trade missions. Companies located in the Ohio Appalachian region may qualify for an additional $2,000 reimbursement as part of a separate grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

To learn more about the guidelines and to download an application, please visit www.IMAGE.development.ohio.gov. For additional questions contact IMAGE@development.ohio.gov or (614) 466-5017.

Working with partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.

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Media contacts: Katie Sabatino at (614) 466-6212
or the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609