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

ExportMontana provides&nbsp;export information, technical and marketing assistance, and grants&nbsp;to Montana companies pursuing commercial opportunities.&nbsp; 
 
We are passionate about helping small businesses prosper by diversifying their customer base in new markets and increasing international sales of products and services to help strengthen Montana’s economy. Our team also works closely with the Governor’s Office on the State’s diplomatic strategy and works to create meaningful connections for visiting international officials and delegations. 
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The Montana Department of Commerce’s ExportMontana program helps Montana companies to compete at home and around the globe with the following services:

<ul>
	<li>Market Assessment:&nbsp;assess your domestic and international sales potential.</li>
	<li>Market Development:&nbsp;take advantage of regional, national, and international trade promotions and grants for developing new markets.</li>
	<li>Market Access:&nbsp;seek assistance with domestic and international logistics, compliance, and financing.</li>
</ul>

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<h1>What Resources Do We Have For You?</h1>

STEP program

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a Federal grant administered by ExportMontana.&nbsp; Eligible activities include:

<ol>
	<li>International Trade Show Exhibition – up to $10,000 reimbursement + up to $2,000 travel stipend&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Language Translation Services &amp; Production Fees – up to $6,000 reimbursement</li>
	<li>Market Research &amp; Marketing Services from the U.S. Commercial Service – up to $5,000 reimbursement + up to $2,000 travel stipend</li>
	<li>International Compliance Testing – up to $6,000 reimbursement</li>
	<li>Montana Online Global Program – up to $6,000 reimbursement</li>
	<li>International Travel Stipend – up to $2,000 reimbursement</li>
</ol>

&nbsp;*Companies may receive up to $30,000 in STEP awards per year. 
&nbsp;

<h1>Trade Show Assistance Program</h1>

Grants are also available to help your business attend domestic shows. The TSAP program can provide 50% reimbursement, up to $3000, plus a $500 travel stipend. Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://marketmt.com/Export/TradeShowAssistance">TSAP</a>&nbsp;page to learn more. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h1>Japan Trade Office</h1>

The State of Montana maintains an overseas trade office in Japan. Our trade representative, Mako Sakaguchi, works to promote the export of Montana manufactured and agricultural commodities, tourism from Japan to our state, and educational opportunities for students. 
 
The first Japan Trade office opened in Tokyo in 1988. To take advantage of Montana’s close ties to its sister state Kumamoto, a second office was opened in Kumamoto City, Japan in 1990. For budgetary reasons the Tokyo office closed in 1993. The Kumamoto office continues to serve as the current Japan Trade Office. As part of a reciprocity agreement with the Montana Department of Commerce, the Japan Trade Office is occupied in rent-free space provided in the Kumamoto Prefecture Capitol Building. 
&nbsp;

To learn more or to inquire how Mako Sakaguchi can help your business, please reach out to ExportMontana's International Trade Officer, Katie Willcockson, at kwillcockson@mt.gov or 406-841-2750 and visit our Japan office website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bigskyjapan.com/">here</a>.

&nbsp;

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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.

About ExportMontana

Montana Department of Commerce

ExportMontana provides export information, technical and marketing assistance, and grants to Montana companies pursuing commercial opportunities. We are passionate about helping small businesses prosper by diversifying their customer base in new markets a

Montana Department of Commerce on Export Connect - Find Trade Experts and Resources

STEP Administrators

company

Montana STEP Grant

Government Grants

Government Resources

Grants & Subsidies

Montana STEP grant is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. STEP grant priorities are: Companies new to the STEP grant, Companies who attended the Riddle of the Exporter training, Companies with more than 2 employees

Montana Department of Commerce

Montana STEP Grant

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