From identifying new markets to defining winning entry strategies, trade specialists from the public and private sectors can help clients build a sound export plan and offer trade advice and consultation.

Trade Consulting & Strategy

No matter if clients plan to sell on their own website, on marketplaces, to businesses or consumers, specialists in eCommerce can assist clients in areas ranging from eCommerce consulting to fraud prevention.

eCommerce

Web and digital marketing experts help clients pick the right channels, engage with promising new audiences, discover the right tools to do it and create a sound digital marketing strategy.

Web & Digital Marketing

Making the sale is only half the battle. Without the proper warehousing partners, the most knowledgeable freight forwarder, the most thorough customs broker, and the most reliable shipping partners, you can’t succeed. Meet all these experts here.

Shipping and Logistics

It is salient for clients looking to expand into new markets that they communicate in an effective manner throughout all markets they wish to be part of. From translation services to translation tools, you assist clients with their localization needs.

Localization

Without the right financing partners and the safety offered by proper insurance, exporting can be a risky adventure. Assist clients with your financing and insurance services and resources.

Financing & Insurance

From exporting basics to advanced topics, these professionals, service providers and training resources will help clients become a master of global trade.

Education and Training

From tax compliance to intellectual property protection, the experts within this category can help clients understand and navigate all the paperwork that comes with exporting.

Taxes, Legal, and Regulatory

Reaching new audiences can be an exciting and lucrative adventure when done right. Clients can get in touch with professionals who will help them create winning marketing strategies and campaigns in new markets around the world.

Marketing & Communications

These are organizations that support small and medium businesses in their internationalization journey. Programs and services are available to businesses within their own state.

Trade Organizations

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Export Connect

The Illinois Department of Commerce is the State Agency that leads economic development efforts for Illinois. With headquarters in Chicago and&nbsp;6 foreign offices around the world, the Department of Commerce's Office of Trade and Investment is dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses expand their global reach and export abroad. Our main focus is to retain and create jobs in Illinois by marketing to:

<ul>
	<li>Existing businesses, encouraging them to reinvest and create more jobs for Illinois citizens.</li>
	<li>New businesses, inviting them to relocate, invest, and create new jobs.</li>
	<li>International companies, positioning Illinois as a global business destination for Foreign Direct Investment.</li>
	<li>Entrepreneurs and investors, connecting resources to support their startups and ventures.</li>
	<li>Locally and globally, promoting Illinois as a world-class tourism and film destination.</li>
</ul>

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<h1>Guidance for Business Growth</h1>

Illinois Small Business Development Centers provide one-on-one business consultation; assistance with business, management and marketing plans; financial assessment and guidance; in-depth business training and more.

The Illinois SBDC also provides specialized services in technology, innovation and entrepreneurial development.&nbsp;<a href="http://ienconnect.com/directory">Click here to find SBDC's in your area</a>.

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<h1>Incentives and Tax Assistance</h1>

Illinois offers a competitive range of incentives for locating and expanding your business, including tax credits and exemptions that encourage business growth and job creation.&nbsp; Additional grant programs and access to loans can assist your business with working capital, machinery and equipment, land acquisition, building construction and public infrastructure improvements.&nbsp; And for those looking to invest in Illinois companies, early stage investment incentives are also available.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/ExpandRelocate/Incentives/Pages/default.aspx">here</a>&nbsp;to learn more about our business incentives and tax assistance programs.

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Links to websites outside the U.S. Federal &amp; State Government Agencies are for the convenience of the user. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the&nbsp;Federal or State government agency of any private sector website, product, or service. We have performed limited due diligence research; but we strongly recommend that you perform your own due diligence investigation and background research on any company. We assume no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the providers listed. We reserve the right not to list any particular company.

Illinois Economic Development

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

The Illinois Department of Commerce is the State Agency that leads economic development efforts for Illinois. With headquarters in Chicago and 6 foreign offices around the world, the Department of Commerce's Office of Trade and Investment is dedicated to

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity on Export Connect - Find Trade Experts and Resources

STEP Grant

COVID-19 Resources

company

Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund

COVID-19 Business Recovery

Chicago Small Business Resiliency FundThe City of Chicago recognizes that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has put a difficult burden on our small business community. As a response to this challenge, the City is establishing a $100 million Chicago Small Bus

Illinois Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and its detrimental impact on small businesses, the State is invoking its option to adjust Community Development Block Grant allocations to address specific needs to benefit Illinois’ non-entitlement communities in

Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund

DCEO and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are establishing the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund to offer small businesses low interest loans of up to $50,000.

Itasca Emergency Working Capital Loan Fund

The Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority will manage a new $500,000 loan fund named the “Emergency Working Capital Loan Fund,” which will make quick-turnaround loans to Grand Rapids-based businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Itasca Small Business Relief Fund