A letter from the governor

Dear Wisconsin Business Owner:

Wisconsin companies of various sizes and industries have long recognized doing business internationally can play a key role in long-term success by opening doors to new markets.

In fact, 2014 was a record-breaking year for Wisconsin exports, as state businesses shipped $23.4 billion worth of products to more than 200 different countries. In the last four years, Wisconsin’s total exports have jumped by 18 percent, led by a dramatic growth in the state’s agricultural exports.

It’s imperative that we continue to build upon that success by encouraging companies that haven’t yet started exporting to explore doing so, and to help businesses that are exporting find strategies to expand those efforts.

The International Business Development team of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is ready to help you take the next step. WEDC recently made improvements to its International Market Access Grant, which helps companies lay the foundation for creating a new exporting strategy or expand their exporting programs into new markets. The maximum award for a grant has increased from $10,000 to $25,000, and the funds can be used to enable companies to participate in trade trips or overseas meetings, or receive export education and/or consulting services.

WEDC also expanded its international network of trade representatives from 36 countries to 54. With the growth of this network, Wisconsin companies can benefit from the expertise of these representatives, who thoroughly understand the cultural and regulatory environments of the countries they cover. Businesses that want to learn more about how WEDC can help develop their export strategy should visit InWisconsin.com/exporting.

We look forward to congratulating the winners and finalists of the 2015 Governor’s Export Achievement Awards, which recognize the Wisconsin companies that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets or have contributed to Wisconsin’s ability to compete in the global economy, at this year’s Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee.

Sincerely,
Governor Scott Walker