Trade Show Grant Program 

This program is designed to encourage Wisconsin companies to seek out new international markets. Under the program, Wisconsin companies can be reimbursed up to $5,000 for specific expenses for participating in an approved trade show or matchmaker trade delegation event. Eligible shows must be outside the United States with one exception. Wisconsin companies marketing new hi-tech products with worldwide application may be approved for shows held within the United States which have significant international participation. A company can be approved for no more than $5,000 in a 12-month period and no more than a maximum of $15,000 under this program.  A company must apply to the trade show grant program and be approved prior to attendance; the program is not designed to reimburse companies for attendance at trade shows prior to signature of a grant contract. 

Purpose
The primary purposes of the Wisconsin Trade Project are to encourage smaller Wisconsin companies (defined as companies, together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, with annual sales of less than $25 million) to become exporters and to help existing smaller exporters seek out new markets. At least 50% of the manufactured value of the product or of the performance value of the service must be produced in Wisconsin.  The program encourages Wisconsin companies to approach export markets in a planned, logical fashion. It allows the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Export Development to assist companies which we have not been able to assist through past state-sponsored programs because of the uniqueness of their products or markets. It also allows us to assist Wisconsin companies marketing new hi-tech products with worldwide application.

International Trade Consultants
Companies who wish to participate in the program can utilize the services of the international trade consultants of the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Natural Resources. Our consultants work without charge and can help you evaluate if you should seek foreign markets and which markets hold the best potential for your products. They can also help you with specific market research and in developing global marketing plans. They can also inform you about the wide variety of services available through the Department and its international offices.

Reimbursement
The Department will reimburse approved grantees up to $5,000 for certain expenses for participating in a trade event certified by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the U.S. Commercial Service, or the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service. Reimbursable expenses include:

• trade show or matchmaker trade delegation participation fees;
• costs associated with shipping displays, samples, catalogs, or advertising materials;
• costs incurred at a trade show or matchmaker trade delegation event for utilities, booth construction, or necessary modification, repairs or other reasonable expenses associated with displays;
• costs associated with first time foreign language translation of brochures and product literature or the use of translation services and interpreters at a trade show or matchmaker trade delegation event.

The following may not be reimbursed:

• travel costs
• lodging
• employee salaries
• meals and entertainment

Approval for reimbursement of expenses will be based upon extent to which the export development plan demonstrates export potential and the extent to which the proposed reimbursable activities relate to the potential success of the product or service to be exported. This program is not designed to support the existing, productive export markets of a company. A Wisconsin-based employee of the company (not a representative or agent!) must participate in the event.

Priority
The legislature has earmarked $100,000 for this program; companies will be approved on the merits of their application. Priority for reimbursement under this program will be given to firms and companies whose products and markets have not been serviced by our programs. All other applications will be considered on their merits. Applicants will be contacted by a Department of Commerce consultant within 15 working days of your application. The Department will reimburse grantees for all approved budget items. Copies of receipts or canceled checks are required. A completed evaluation form of the event and results must be submitted with the request for reimbursement. The Department will not guarantee payment of unbudgeted items. Please check with the Program Manager (phone: 608/266-0413) if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since the Wisconsin Trade Project grant application form requires an original signature, it cannot be completed and submitted on-line. You can obtain a blank application form on-line, fill it out, and submit it by mail.

The on-line, blank application is a .pdf file. Portable Document Format (.pdf) is a cross-platform format that is transportable and viewable on any type of computer system. Such files need a viewer like Acrobat Exchange or Acrobat Reader. Reader is downloadable free from Adobe *.