Tools for Manufacturers

Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Grants
Financing
Small Business
Publications
Databases

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Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a nationwide network of resources transforming manufacturers to compete globally, supporting greater supply chain integration, promoting lean manufacturing and providing access to technology for improved productivity.  Since its inception as a pilot program in 1988, MEP has helped small and medium size businesses compete in the global marketplace.

Grants

Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP)
The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) is a competitive matching grants program that builds public/private partnerships by providing federal assistance to non-profit export multipliers such as states, trade associations, chambers of commerce, world trade centers and other non-profit industry groups that are particularly effective in reaching small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

Federal Grants:  Grants.gov
Grants.gov was developed as part of the President’s Management Agenda and related E-Government Strategy, which charged Federal grant-making agencies with developing a single electronic system to find and apply for Federal grant opportunities.  Grants.gov simplifies the grants management process and creates a centralized, online process to find, and apply for,over 900 grant programs from the 26 Federal grant-making agencies.
Federal Grants for Export Operations

Financing

Financing counseling and assistance is available to many U.S. Companies that want to compete in the global economy through expanded export and those affected by import competition.
U.S. Government Export Portal
Trade Information Center, Export Programs Guide
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

Small Business

Small Businesses are critical to the health of the U.S. economy.  Developing and supporting entrepreneurs promotes growth and continued innovation that keeps Americans unique and competitive.  Employing over half of all private sector employees, small firms play an important role in economic recoveries and are at the root of this nation's economic stability." 
Small Business Administration

Publications

Energy and Environmental Export News - March 2006, Issue No. 4

Databases

Electric Current Worldwide - This information is provided as a service to manufacturers of electrical devices and equipment for export, exporters of such electrical devices and equipment, and those who intend to operate such devices in countries other than those where the equipment originated.