The Midwest (USA) Is the Gateway to the World

©iStock/wellesenterprises

With a globally connected location and robust industry supply chain, the Midwest, in particular Michigan, is the gateway to the world.  In fact, $61.1 billion in total goods was exported from Michigan in 2022 alone. 

And while Michigan is home to many global corporations, the state’s small business community is actively involved in contributing to Michigan’s presence in the global market. Case in point: nearly 89 percent of Michigan exporters are small businesses.

Yes, that's right.  Small business exporters are driving growth for Michigan.  Check out how Michigan can help you grow your exports.

Michigan Receives $2,000,000 State Trade Expansion Program STEP Grant

©iStock/PapaBear

Michigan received $2 million in federal grant funds to help Michigan small businesses grow in the state through increased access to global markets. The amount is the maximum awarded by the SBA and a $650,000 increase from 2021.  

Managed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade program, the Michigan STEP grant initiative (MI-STEP) aims to promote job creation by empowering Michigan small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to export their products, supplying financial assistance awards for eligible export development-related expenses.

The funds are expected to assist more than 350 Michigan companies in increasing international sales.

Read on to learn more.

Exporting Can Boost Small Business Recovery

©iStock/Lady-Photo

By working to enter, or re-enter, the global marketplace, many small businesses are sitting on the precipice of success. 

Nearly 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States and trade represents nearly two-thirds of the world’s $80 trillion economy. With exporting as a component of a business’ growth strategy, a company can expand faster, create jobs, and pay higher wages — all while contributing to the local economy.

In this particular example, Michigan firms are considering pivoting and enhancing their customer base and revenues via exporting.

Fuel Up With Dinocare™

102-year-old Sinclair Oil Corp. owns and operates more than 1,500 locations nationwide, including refineries and gas stations, plus hotels, a ski resort and a cattle ranch.

Photos courtesy:  @2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved. (Cassopolis, Michigan)

Best Beef Noodle and New England Clam Chowder in Michigan

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved. 

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The Prime Time Restaurant in Niles, Michigan brings back a bit of nostalgia.  Good food, good service, good conversation and good people.  And one, only one review, on their site:  "I've been eating at Prime Table for many years. The food is great and service can not be better," says Tammy, a frequent customer.

Learn more about Prime Time Restaurant.