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.

 

Minnesota Trade Office (MTO)

The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) 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.

• Export Counseling - 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.
• Export Financing - 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.
• Market Research - 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.

 

STEP Grant Program

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 Jackie Geiger at 651-259-7485.

To learn more about DEED's programs, check out our Economic Development Resource Guide.

 

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