WEDC details IMAG/WIAE grant windows and export supports; Oct. 31 application deadline announced
November 01, 2024 | Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Executive Departments, Executive, Wisconsin
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Aaron Zitzelberger, senior director of global trade and investment at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), presented the council with operational details of the International Market Access Grant (IMAG) program and how WIAE funds are being folded into it.
Aaron said the current WIAE‑funded window is open and advised companies to apply early, noting, “if we do run out of funds, there’s nothing I can do about that.” He explained that IMAG is a reimbursement program (now permitting multiple interim reimbursements rather than a single end‑of‑project payment), and that awardees must provide a 30% company match on eligible project expenditures.
Key program details reported to the council:
- Grant caps: Up to $30,000 for companies that complete the Export Tech program; eligible non‑Export Tech companies can receive up to $10,000 per grant (with limits on number of awards).
- Eligible expense categories: trade shows and missions, marketing/translation/packaging for target markets, consulting and product compliance, and export education/capacity building. Transportation and lodging are not reimbursable but may count toward the applicant match.
- Timing and window: Aaron recommended applying now; the current window closes Oct. 31. WEDC said approvals typically require 4–8 weeks (often 4–6 weeks in practice) and reimbursements cannot cover expenses incurred before a grant is approved.
- WIAE budgeting and use: The council was reminded that the WIAE is proposed at $1,000,000 per year and that WEDC and DATCP are coordinating how those funds target dairy, crop and meat priorities.
Why it matters: the program reduces the upfront cash burden on exporters and expands capacity building tailored to market entry; the Oct. 31 deadline and the 30% match affect project timing and feasibility for smaller companies.
Next steps: WEDC offered to counsel companies on project design, put applicants in touch with trade reps and to run a second application round if funds remain after Oct. 31.
Aaron said the current WIAE‑funded window is open and advised companies to apply early, noting, “if we do run out of funds, there’s nothing I can do about that.” He explained that IMAG is a reimbursement program (now permitting multiple interim reimbursements rather than a single end‑of‑project payment), and that awardees must provide a 30% company match on eligible project expenditures.
Key program details reported to the council:
- Grant caps: Up to $30,000 for companies that complete the Export Tech program; eligible non‑Export Tech companies can receive up to $10,000 per grant (with limits on number of awards).
- Eligible expense categories: trade shows and missions, marketing/translation/packaging for target markets, consulting and product compliance, and export education/capacity building. Transportation and lodging are not reimbursable but may count toward the applicant match.
- Timing and window: Aaron recommended applying now; the current window closes Oct. 31. WEDC said approvals typically require 4–8 weeks (often 4–6 weeks in practice) and reimbursements cannot cover expenses incurred before a grant is approved.
- WIAE budgeting and use: The council was reminded that the WIAE is proposed at $1,000,000 per year and that WEDC and DATCP are coordinating how those funds target dairy, crop and meat priorities.
Why it matters: the program reduces the upfront cash burden on exporters and expands capacity building tailored to market entry; the Oct. 31 deadline and the 30% match affect project timing and feasibility for smaller companies.
Next steps: WEDC offered to counsel companies on project design, put applicants in touch with trade reps and to run a second application round if funds remain after Oct. 31.
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