In honor of World Trade Week this week, Michigan celebrates the importance and benefits of global trade on our state’s economy. With a globally connected location and robust industry supply chain, $55.5 billion in total goods was exported from Michigan in 2021 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 – nearly 89 percent of Michigan exporters are small businesses. MEDC’s International Trade Program offers a wealth of expertise and resources available to help Michigan businesses grow within the state and internationally.

Manufacturing and technological trends in Mexico have transformed the nation into a global center of innovation. Join international trade experts on May 24 for a Doing Business in Mexico event hosted by Automation Alley to learn about products, services and technologies in high demand in Mexico, including Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing hardware and software applications, automotive components and systems, and more. Learn about trade and investment opportunities Michigan companies can explore first-hand on the upcoming trade mission to Mexico Sept. 20-25. In-person and virtual options are available. Webinar registration deadline is May 23.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently awarded a $3 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to Merit Network, Inc. to support construction of a 70-mile, middle-mile fiber-optic infrastructure. The project will expand high-speed broadband service in remote and underserved areas throughout Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac counties and support the region’s Leveraging Infrastructure for Transforming the Upper Peninsula (LIFT-U.P.) initiative, which provides middle-mile infrastructure to local internet service providers. This EDA investment will be matched with $2.3 million in local funds and is expected to create 50 jobs, retain 10 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment.

A recent episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast features Mike Piskur, Program Manager of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. Piskur joins host Ed Clemente as they discuss how this international alliance grows the regional economy and protects the world’s largest system of surface fresh water. Learn how local Michigan partners including Pure Michigan, MSU, UM, MI-Tech, Northern MU, Green banks, DTE and many others fit in as integral parts of this enormous and vital initiative. You can also read the transcript from the conversation.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation helps to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its new potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership to find customized business assistance.

MEDC continues to support businesses and communities across the state. Learn more about our economic and recovery resources currently available or read more about the impact our programs are having and our COVID-19 response.