Export Grant Programs

International Market Access Grant for Exporters

Funds Ohio for-profit businesses carrying out eligible export promotion activities through reimbursement grants.

Eligibility · Ohio

The International Market Access Grant for Exporters, known as IMAGE, is an Ohio Department of Development reimbursement grant for eligible Ohio businesses carrying out export promotion activities. The handbook says companies can access up to $10,000 in grant year funds on a 50% reimbursement basis. The program is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration's State Trade Expansion Program.

Eligibility is direct to companies. The applicant must operate a licensed for-profit business in Ohio that manufactures, assembles, distributes a product, or provides an exportable service. The company must have been in business for at least one year, meet SBA size standards, be in good standing with Ohio agencies, avoid federal debarment, and promote products with at least 51% U.S. content. The applicant also needs a qualifying export activity or initiative and a strategic plan for exporting.

The handbook lists reimbursable activities such as international trade shows, eligible domestic trade shows, government or economic-development trade missions, U.S. Commercial Service programs, EXIM Bank credit insurance premiums, compliance testing for existing products entering markets, translation of websites and product materials, design of marketing materials, and supported individual market visits tied to approved market support services. Applications use the development.force.com portal, where companies select the International Market Access Grant for Exporters application in the Export section.

The application window is open until funds are exhausted and awards are first-come, first-served. Activities must be approved before they occur. Reimbursement requests are submitted after activity completion with invoices and proof of payment, and must be filed within 30 days of each activity and no later than the project completion deadline in the grant terms. Payroll, domestic travel outside limited connections, printing, customer discounts, promotional items, entertainment, food, and unsupported shipping are among the ineligible costs.