Global Update

Additional Grants Available for Companies to Participate in First-Ever Reverse Trade Mission

By Linda Spencer

Reverse Trade Mission
The Reverse Trade Mission enables attendees to meet one on one
with global distributors and resellers and participate in numerous
networking receptions and special events with top international
buyers.

Meet key global trade buyers of automotive specialty-equipment products here in the United States. Since buyers will travel to multiple states for the Reverse Trade Mission (RTM), attendees will choose the most convenient location from the list of stops below.

The RTM enables attendees to meet one on one with global distributors and resellers and participate in numerous networking receptions and special events with top international buyers. The day-and-a half program (per location) will create opportunities for visiting international resellers and for U.S.-based suppliers to establish or enhance relationships and hopefully lead to increased business. Space is limited.

Locations (select one):

  • California: July 19-20
  • Michigan: July 22-23
  • North Carolina: July 26–27

The registration fees is $300, which includes the opportunity to meet one on one with visiting buyers and all meals during this day-and-a-half program, starting with a dinner the first night followed by one-on-one meetings and a closing reception.

A special promotion package of $2,700 is available, which includes a half-page ad in the SEMA Buyer’s Guide, to be distributed at the RTM, in SEMA News and in the Center for International Commerce (CIC) at the 2021 SEMA Show and a one-month digital ad on www.sema.org.

A $1,200 grant is available from the U.S. federal government for qualified companies with an additional $1,650 from the State of California for qualified California-based companies resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package ($3,000 value for $150).

Eligible Michigan companies participating in the RTM and taking advantage of the $2,700 Special Promotion Package (SPP) can receive $1,200 from the federal MDCP grant and $1,050 through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program to cover a maximum 75% reimbursement of all eligible export expenses. For more information or to apply, contact export@michigan.org to get connected with your international trade manager.

In addition to the $1,200 MDCP award, an additional $1,650 from the State of North Carolina for qualified North Carolina-based companies is available, resulting in a total of $150 to cover the registration fees and the special promotion package. For more information or to apply, contact Jen Vogelsberg at jen.vogelsberg@edpnc.com.

Many other states also have grants. Contact Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org for more information.

Register now for the Reverse Trade Mission.

For more information on the Reverse Trade Mission or other SEMA International programs and resources, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.