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

<p>The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h1>Minnesota Trade Office (MTO)</h1>

<p>The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO)&nbsp;helps turn opportunities into profits in foreign markets by providing the training and expertise that small and midsized companies need to export goods and services successfully worldwide.</p>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/export-counseling">Export Counseling</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Our regional trade managers guide companies through the challenges of conducting international business. From basic guidance for companies new to exporting, to technical, regulatory and logistical information for more experienced companies, to market intelligence and research, to the art conducting business across borders and cultures, our regional trade managers have answers for your most pressing questions.</li>
	<li><a href="https://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/export-financing">Export Financing</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Several programs provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, working capital, credit or insurance to help companies become export ready, help new exporters make their first foreign sales, or help current exporters expand into new markets.</li>
	<li><a href="https://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/research">Market Research</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;When it comes to doing business in foreign markets, getting the right information at the right time is often the difference between success and failure. Here you'll find resources to help you conduct market research, understand trade regulations and documentation, find financing and partners, and avoid common mistakes, struggles and pitfalls.</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h1>STEP Grant Program</h1>

<p>The STEP program provides financial and technical assistance to qualifying Minnesota small businesses with an active interest in exporting products or services to foreign markets. Participants may be first-time exporters or companies that are currently exporting but are interested in expanding into new international markets. For more information on the STEP Grant program, contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jackie.geiger@state.mn.us">Jackie Geiger</a>&nbsp;at 651-259-7485.</p>

<p>To learn more about DEED's programs,&nbsp;check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://mn.gov/deed/assets/econ-dev-resource-guide_tcm1045-153149.pdf" target="_blank" title="econ-dev-resource-guide">Economic Development Resource Guide</a>.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

There's a World of Opportunity Out There

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community de

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development on Export Connect - Find Trade Experts and Resources

COVID-19 Resources

company

Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

COVID-19 Business Recovery

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) now offers the Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program. This temporary program, established in response to the 2020 public health emergency, will help Minnesota lenders provide

Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants

The lottery drawing for grants has been held; businesses that were selected will be contacted directly in the coming days by the nonprofit charged with administering their grant.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants

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