International Market Access Grant

The International Market Access Grant is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a state-level agency focused on advancing economic growth and supporting business expansion within Wisconsin. The program is designed to strengthen the export capabilities of Wisconsin-based businesses by providing financial assistance and technical support for international market development. It is positioned as a flexible funding mechanism that allows companies to design customized export strategies aligned with their growth objectives, while reducing the financial risks associated with entering or expanding into foreign markets. The primary purpose of the program is to assist businesses in accelerating their export development and deployment strategies. The grant supports projects that either establish a new export foundation or expand an existing international presence. Applicants are required to identify specific target international markets and outline a cohesive strategy demonstrating how proposed activities will increase export sales. The program emphasizes activities that are new to the applicant and would not be feasible without financial assistance, ensuring that funding drives incremental growth rather than routine business operations. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible third-party expenses incurred during a defined project period. Award amounts are tiered based on participation in the ExporTech program, with non-graduates eligible for up to 10000 per award and graduates eligible for up to 30000 per award. Applicants must contribute a matching investment equal to 30 percent of the grant amount. Eligible expense categories include trade show participation, international marketing and promotion, export education and training, and consulting services such as market research or legal assistance for intellectual property protection. Certain costs are explicitly excluded, including routine operational expenses, capital expenditures, salaries, and domestic-only activities. Eligibility is limited to established businesses operating in Wisconsin for at least one year that produce goods or services with export potential. Applicants must maintain substantial export-related operations within the state and demonstrate economic benefit to Wisconsin. Additionally, at least 35 percent of the value of the product or service must be composed of Wisconsin-based inputs. Companies must have annual gross revenue below 100 million, although this requirement does not apply to certain agricultural exporters under separate funding streams. Both new and experienced exporters may apply, provided they meet all criteria and have not exceeded lifetime grant limits. The application process requires businesses to first engage with program staff and submit their application through the Network Wisconsin portal. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the intended project start date to allow for review, underwriting, and approval processes. The evaluation includes a review of export readiness, alignment with strategy, and the degree to which the project represents new or expanded activity. Final approval involves underwriting checks, legal review, and committee approval before a contract is executed. The program operates on an annual application cycle, typically opening on July 1 and closing on October 31, or earlier if funds are exhausted. A second round may be offered from February 1 to March 15 if funding remains. Projects must be completed within the defined project window, with all activities and expenses occurring before the end date, which for the referenced cycle is December 31, 2025. Recipients are required to submit reimbursement requests and performance reports, and may be subject to follow-up evaluation within one year of project completion. Program oversight includes detailed reporting and documentation requirements to ensure compliance and measure outcomes such as export growth, leads generated, and strategic development. Applicants must retain financial and performance records for a minimum of three years. The program is managed by designated staff within the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, with a primary contact available for inquiries and application guidance.

Ensure proposed activities are new and not routine business operations; clearly define target markets and demonstrate how activities increase export sales; align project with a cohesive export strategy