Latest Export News & Updates
FEBRUARY 2025
Moving Along in February
February is the shortest month, but did you know it also traces its roots to the ancient Romans who held a festival of purification in the year's second month? Surprisingly, it shares its meaning with the word fever, since apparently, the purification methods of those Romans were so similar to the sweating that comes with having a fever. So if you've been sick this month, take small comfort in knowing it's been going on for much of human existence!
In our office, we too are sweating despite the winter cold as we're working hard to fill a few programming slots. Starting with the export internship, we hope to collect more companies interested in taking on one of our talented students. We have 11 students in NW Ohio and 13 in Cleveland, with another 36 in other parts of Ohio.
Read below and submit your application if you're curious to learn more. Our students are go-getters who are eager to learn and contribute in any way they can to your business. Many of our students have stayed on as full-time employees and a few have even risen to become managers at their host companies. Don't miss this chance to get an infusion of talent in your workplace.
– Nate, GBC Director and Trade Advisor
Host a Dynamic Intern
STILL TAKING APPLICATIONS!
Is your small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand into the international marketplace?
The Ohio Export Internship Program connects ambitious college students with small to medium sized businesses looking to expand into the international marketplace. It's a win-win for everyone!
The Department of Development has spent more than a decade helping businesses navigate international markets while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience.
Your business can be reimbursed for 50 percent of an intern's wages, giving you both the talent and financial support to help future growth.
Students are custom-matched to each company to align your needs with our intern's strengths. Find out why half our students remain with their companies post-internship!
Click on the link below to submit your company's interest today!
NASBITE Conference 2024:
"Rockin' International Trade"
April 8 - 10, 2025
The event of the year is coming to Cleveland in April.
Don't miss the biggest conference in international trade education April 8-10 at the Crowne Plaza Playhouse Square. Hundreds will come from all over the country to learn and teach best practices in global trade.
This is a who's who of trade experts. There will be specialization tracks, breakouts, boot camps, and amazing keynote speakers. A great professional development opportunity for staff at companies who want to level up their int'l trade skills, or go for their professional certification. Don't miss your chance to be part of this assembly of trade experts from all across the U.S. and the world. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities available. Student rates available.
GlobalTarget Update
Above: Bob Purgert, VP of Thompson Aluminum Casting Co. of Cleveland, shares the inside story of his company's experience in South America with our cohort.
GlobalTargetTM, our award-winning export accelerator and mentorship program, currently in our "special 20th anniversary" cohort, is at the halfway point. We have eight Ohio SME manufacturing companies, five of whom are participating in April's Trade Winds mission to South America. Our other three companies are participating in other trade missions to Latin America in 2025.
Our team has assembled workshop facilitators from around our region, country, and hemisphere who are specialists in Latin American laws, regulations, logistics, negotiation, sales, and market strategy in this one-of-a-kind program. Each participant receives a customized market study of their choice to maximize their sales strategy into these unique markets along with a generous grant package. Our next cohort begins in the fall. Maybe your company could benefit from this amazing resource!
Market Research Opportunities
Most exporting SMEs have never considered which markets deserve their attention, resources, and investments. What ends up happening is the firm, usually strapped for resources to start with, reacts to orders, inquiries, and opportunities as they pop up. We're talking about a kind of whack-a-mole on a global scale. This might work for a company juggling Massachusetts vs. Montana, but things get a lot trickier if it's Italy vs. Indonesia (and five other markets).
Our center has made the art of market prioritization one of our signature specialties. Since 2012 our office has conducted over 75 market studies for companies in industries ranging from respiration simulators, sweet potatoes, fertilizers, and vacuum cleaners among many many more! While this specialty service comes with a small price tag our companies have told us time and again how invaluable it is to have objective, data-driven market analysis showing them which markets to target (as well as which to delay).
PARTNER EVENTS
Trade Mission to
FABTECH Mexico
May • 2025
FABTECH Mexico is the largest metal manufacturing event in Mexico. Nearly 400
exhibitors use this opportunity to launch new products and services, and showcase new product developments. The state of Ohio will help 12 companies attend the trade mission, that includes State of Ohio booth space at the FABTECH Mexico 2025 trade show in Monterrey, Mexico.
Register today and receive:
● Furnished booth space with graphics included.
● Four nights stay hotel accommodations.
● Business-to-business matchmaking services via our in-country contractors.
● Local support from Ohio’s international contractor in Mexico
● Pre-trip travel and business trade mission briefing.
The Advanced Manufacturing Fund
Northeast Ohio is home to our counterparts at the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, MAGNET. Did you know they have programs geared towards early startup companies? The Advanced Manufacturing Fund invests in high potential early-stage manufacturing or hard tech startups in Ohio. In Q1 2025 fund 2 is launching to continue this funding for Ohio startups. AMF 1 invested in various industries including automation, energy technology, and advanced materials. The fund is not only a tool for investment, but our industry investors bring expertise to the companies to help them achieve success. Click below to learn more.
Getting Paid in Global Markets
for Export Sales
Join the US Commercial Service in concert with the NW Ohio MBAC to learn how to make the most of government and commercial programs that reduce the risk and worry out of getting paid abroad.
March 5 · 11 AM - 3 PM
Toledo, OH · One Maritime Plaza
New exporter SMEs highly encouraged to attend
Contact Our Trade Advisors
Email Us
CHRIS LEES: c.lees@csuohio.edu
DAVID DELGADO: d.delgado85@csuohio.edu
NATE WARD: n.t.ward54@csuohio.edu
Stay in the know! Sign up for the Global Business Center Newsletter above.
