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

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

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>

&nbsp;

<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>.

&nbsp;

<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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

Illinois STEP Grant

Government Grants

Government Resources

Grants & Subsidies

​Illinois’ State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program provides Illinois’ small businesses with both financial and technical assistance to increase their exports. The ISTEP program includes 5 options for Illinois’ companies to grow their export sales

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Illinois STEP Grant

Have questions?