Note: The 2022 IMAG recipients were announced in June. Read the full release here.
Application materials can be requested by contacting:
Katie Ujdak
Global Trade & Investment Grants Specialist
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Email: katie.ujdak@wedc.org
Phone: (608) 210-6773.
Coordinated by WEDC, IMAGs provide funding to support a company's specific export development and deployment strategy. The WIAE expands WEDC's existing IMAG program by designating funds solely for agribusinesses. Applicants must be an established agribusiness that is new to exporting or expanding into new markets, operating in Wisconsin for at least one year, and manufacturing, processing, assembling, or distributing a product that has the potential to be exported.
Companies that have not completed ExporTech™ training can receive IMAG funding up to three times with a maximum of $10,000 per grant. ExporTech™ graduates can receive IMAG funding up to six times with a maximum of $25,000 per grant. Matching funds are required at 30 percent of the grant award. Eligible project expenses include costs associated with trade shows and ventures, marketing, promotions, consulting services, and export education.
Eligibility and Deadlines
To apply, a company must have been in operation for at least a year and must manufacture, process, assemble or distribute a product or service with the potential to be exported. Grants are available to companies that are new to exporting as well as those with some export experience. Wisconsin cost inputs must make up at least 35% of the value of the product or service being exported, and companies must agree to a 30% match of the grant funds received. This grant provides two tiers of support: ExporTech™ graduates are eligible to receive up to $25,000 with a limit of six awards, while all other eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 with a limit of three awards.
Applications are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, so
companies are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after a
new fiscal year begins on July 1 of each year
The Global Business Development Program grant cycle closes annually on October 31.
Grant applications are accepted until the budget is exhausted or until October 31, whichever occurs first. If grant funds still remain after October 31, a second round may open from February 1 to March 15. Applicants should communicate with the program coordinator to inquire whether funding is still available. All grant projects must end on or before Dec. 31, 2024.
For more information on the IMAG program, visit https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/global-business-development-program/.
Announcements
June 30, 2022: DATCP, WEDC Announce Agribusinesses Receiving 2022 International Market Access Grants
March 2, 2022: WEDC, DATCP Expanding Funding for International Market Access Grants to Agribusinesses