Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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Michigan
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on June 22, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Michigan, we recommend that you visit the state’s COVID-19 Resources website or the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Description of Program and Relief
Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program Financial Assistance for Exporting Activities
Description of Program and Relief
Through Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP), the International Trade team offers financial assistance for exporting activities to eligible Michigan small businesses, enabling access to global markets and buyers while increasing the dollar value of Michigan exports. On September 12, 2019, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded Michigan the maximum state award of $900,000 in MI-STEP funds for FY20. With additional state match funding, total funds available are $2.1 million. Up to $15,000 in assistance is available to offset 50 percent of pre-approved expenses per fiscal year.
Program funds may be approved for export marketing-related activities including:
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Participation in foreign trade missions
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U.S. Department of Commerce services
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Website translation into foreign language, search engine optimization, and localization services capped at $6,000 reimbursement per award year (in response to COVID-19, international website development is now reimbursable up to 75% effective through September 29, 2020)
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Design of marketing media (brochures, branded giveaways, social media, advertising, etc.) capped at $6,000 reimbursement per award year
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International trade show participation
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Foreign sales trip
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U.S.-based international trade show participation
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Participation in export training workshops
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Reverse foreign buyer missions (meeting space/audio visual).
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Demonstrate an understanding of the costs associated with exporting and doing business with foreign purchasers, including the costs of freight forwarding, customs brokers, packing, and shipping, per SBA guidelines
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Demonstrate potential for export success and positive impact on the regional economy
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Provide an EIN number linked to a Michigan address
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Be in good standing with the Michigan Department of Treasury and other regulatory agencies
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Be an export-ready U.S. company seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin or have at least 51 percent U.S. content (for assistance to determine U.S. content, please visit here). -
Ineligible expenses include:
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Meals, entertainment, cell phone charges, gifts, and personal expenses
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Passport and visa fees
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Immunization expenses
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Travel reimbursement for distributors or sales representatives not employed by the Michigan company
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Fees for shipping products to be sold in market
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Export compliance testing expenses
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Printing materials/services.
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Please also note the following restrictions:
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Travel reimbursement is limited to two (2) travelers who must be U.S. citizens
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Flights must adhere to Fly America/Open Skies agreements. Only economy flights are eligible for reimbursement — no upgrades
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Fees for shipping sample products cannot exceed $4,000 reimbursement per award year (cap increased to $4,000 from $2,000 due to COVID-19 response)
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Mileage is reimbursable at the federal per diem rate — no gas receipts, unless used with a rental car.
Government or Lead Agency
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Dates Available
Ongoing
Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions
Michigan companies must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for MI-STEP funds:
Application Deadlines (If Applicable)
N/A
Contact for More Information
To contact the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, please call 888-522-0103.
List of Additional Information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.