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Export Missouri Initiative

Application Guidelines

Missouri Department of Economic Development Division of Business and Community Services

Business and Community Finance Team 301 West High Street, Room 770

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Phone: 573-751-4855

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Purpose – The Economic Impact and Public Benefit of Export Expansion:

Approximately 5% of all Missouri small employer firms exported in 2015. These 6,100 small businesses accounted for almost $4 billion in Missouri exports.

These firms are the work horses of the small business export sector in Missouri as they collectively are responsible for almost one-quarter of all exports from the state. They are already exporting and have overcome many obstacles to sell their products and services abroad. Therefore, relatively little trade assistance in conjunction with available funding and marketing resources would be required to help them to expand their exports to new markets.

One important way to help these firms identify new export markets is by exhibiting at an international trade show. This is an expensive undertaking for small businesses, but going directly to the market is critical to their export success. Participation on state sponsored trade missions and foreign market sales trips are equally as important for small exporters.

The participant must however, choose the “right“ events and locations for their business interests; note the complexity of logistics; the extensive costs attached to event-specific brochures, staff, stand design and associated costs, etc.; and clearly defined objectives regarding their participation.

Export Missouri Initiative The Governor’s FY15 Budget Recommendation requested and the General Assembly appropriated $2.3 million in general revenue funding to facilitate an increase in export trade by supporting specific opportunities for existing Missouri exporters to expand their sales into new markets. The activities of the Initiative are directed through the International Trade Office of the Department of Economic Development’s Division of Business and Community Services.

The Export Missouri Initiative is comprised of three key components and various programs: • Global Market Access Program (trade event reimbursement program)• Increased Domestic and Global Staff Resources• Increased Export Promotion Resources

o Missouri “Passport” Program (export concierge service)o Exporters Directory, Qualified Trade Lead program, Online Trade Advisoro Export Training for personnel of exporters and new to export firms

The $450,000 Global Market Access Program (GMAP) is administered by DED.

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Global Market Access Program:

Market Access Program (GMAP) is a cost-share program that allows eligible Missouri companies to participate in specific events designed to create export sales.

Eligible Participants: The target audience for this program is small businesses, primarily manufacturers, with 500 employees or less and with annual sales of $25 million or less. DED will focus assistance to these small firms to new markets in order to ensure increased sales opportunities.

The program will cost-share a minimum of 40 new-to-market exporters and a minimum of 90 export activities and trade promotion projects as per the following eligibility company criteria1:

• Has been in business for not less than a 3-year period on the date of application for funding• Must currently export to at least one market – including Canada• A minimum of 50% of the eligible firms must be rural small business concerns (as per county of

location)• A minimum of 10% of the eligible firms must be women owned and controlled; minority owned

and controlled; veteran owned and controlled; and/or socially and economically disadvantagedsmall business concerns

• A minimum of 10% of the eligible firms must be directly or indirectly affected by supply chainexports

• be registered to do business in Missouri and in Good Standing with the Secretary of State;• not owe delinquent taxes, fees or fines, to any agency of the State of Missouri;• not have filed or announced their intention to file for bankruptcy;• not employ illegal aliens and provide proof of enrollment in E-Verify• Missouri BUYS document

MissouriBUYS

The State of Missouri has implemented a new, secure, web-based statewide eProcurement system, MissouriBUYS.

As a recipient who will be reimbursed by the state, you will be required to register your business with the Office of Administration through MisssouriBUYS. The vendor registration portal is available on the MissouriBUYS website at https://missouribuys.mo.gov

1 Criteria may be adjusted based on the applications submitted by qualified Missouri small businesses.

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Clicking on the ‘register’ link will allow you to get a username and password. There are links to informational documents and a training video if you need help with the process. Prior to starting registration, please make sure you have the following information available:

• Organization’s Taxpayer ID Number (TIN)• Business Type (Corporation, LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.)• Email Address• ACH-EFT Payment Information• Internal Revenue Service W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and

Certification

E-Verify MOU:

In addition to certifying that your organization does not employ illegal aliens, all applicants must: (1) enroll in E-Verify; (2) check the box on the Certification confirming enrollment and participation in E-Verify, and (3) provide supporting documentation. All applicants must complete this form and attach a copy of the E-Verify memorandum.

The E-Verify Program, conducted jointly by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Verification Division and the Social Security Administration (SSA), is designed to provide employment status information to determine the eligibility of applicants for employment. E-Verify requires that participating commercial employers use the automated Verification Information System (VIS) to check the SSA and the USCIS databases to verify the employment authorization of ALL newly hired employees. An employer's participation in E-Verify is currently free. To access the E-Verify website, go to: https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/

To access the ‘electronically signed MOU’ – the following must already by completed: • Must have successfully enrolled in the E-Verify program,• Must have successfully completed the tutorial.

To retrieve a copy of your electronically signed MOU: • Wait until a you have received a Confirmation email from E-Verify / USCIS that the

company is successfully enrolled in the program;• Log back into the Account• Click on “Edit Company Profile” in the left menu• Scroll about halfway down and click on the green “View MOU” button. (Make sure

all pop-up blockers have been disabled – the electronically signed version pop-ups ina separate screen)

• ONLY the Program Administrator can access the electronically signed MOUFor additional assistance, you can contact E-Verify using the toll free Help line number, 888-464-4218.

Global Market Access Program Activities:

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• Domestic and International Trade Shows2

A U.S. trade show exhibition or an international trade show exhibition with a pre-determinedand defined US DOC international buyer component.

• DED/MDA Trade Missions and Foreign Market Sales TripsThis may include a trade mission or a foreign market sales trip. Trade missions may be led bythe Governor of Missouri; DED/MDA, other Missouri agencies or by the U.S. Department ofCommerce, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Foreign market sales trips will be approvedbased on the geographical necessity further identified in the company’s export developmentplan. The scheduling of business meetings may be conducted by the participating firm;DED/MDA; or through the subscription services of the U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S.Department of Agriculture. The service of scheduling business meetings conducted by theparticipating firm will not be reimbursed, and considered an in-kind provision of the activity.

• DED/MDA & USDOC/USDA Matchmaker Trade DelegationsA matchmaker trade delegation event coordinated through the Missouri DED or the US DOC.

• Export Missouri Industry and Market Targets: (see tables below)Missouri new-to-market exporters in the following key sectors: Advanced Manufacturing;Energy Solutions; Bioscience; Health Sciences & Services; Information Technology; Financial &Professional Services and Transportation & Logistics (and key sub-sectors therein).

GMAP Reimbursable Expenses • International or domestic trade show, DED/MDA trade mission, DED/MDA foreign market sales

trip or US DOC/USDA matchmaker trade delegation participation fees;• Costs associated with shipping displays, samples, catalogs, or advertising materials;• Costs incurred at a trade show event for utilities, booth construction, or necessary modification,

repairs or other reasonable expenses associated with displays;• Costs associated with first time foreign language translation of brochures and product literature

or the use of translation services and interpreters at a trade show, DED/MDA trade mission,DED/MDA foreign market sales trip or US DOC/USDA matchmaker trade delegation event;

• Costs associated with airfare for one corporate representative, per activity;• Costs associated with lodging for one corporate representative, per activity.

2 Participating companies must submit application and receive prior approval before any costs can be expended. Eligible trade shows must be the industry premier or comparably important show and must take place outside the United States. The exception to this policy: companies may take part in premier domestic shows which have a significant international buyer component organized by the US DOC

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Key Markets Target Industries Brazil Advanced Manufacturing Canada BioSciences China/Hong Kong Energy Solutions Europe Financial & Professional Services India Health Science & Services Israel Information Technology Japan Transportation/Logistics Korea Mexico Singapore Taiwan UAE

Ineligible GMAP Expenses The following expenses may not be reimbursed:

• Passport or visa fees• Immunizations• Expenses related to entertaining current or prospective clients or government officials• New product development or alteration of existing products

COST TO BE REIMBURSED Activity/Expense Category

Trade Show Trade Mission/ FMS Trip

DED/MDA Matchmaker/ USDOC/USDA Matchmaker

Company Match

Required

Maximum Funding Per Company, Annually

Shipping Registration/ Participation Fee/ Booth Construction

50%, max $5000,

+ 10% for TargetIndustry in a

General Market, OR

+ 20% for TargetIndustry in a Key

Market $

50%, max $3000,

+ 10% for TargetIndustry in a

General Market, OR

+ 20% for TargetIndustry in a Key

Market $

50%, max $1500,

$

50% match

$

Market Media 50%, Max $1,500 $

50%, Max $1,500 $

50%, Max $1,500 $

50% match $

Website Translation 50%, Max $3,000 $

50%, Max $3,000 $

50%, Max $3,000 $

50% match $

Interpreter Service 90%, Max $500 $

90%, Max $500 $

90%, Max $500 $

10% match $

US Department of Commerce GKS

50%, Max $2,000 $

50%, Max $2,000 $

50%, Max $2,000 $

50% match $

Airfare 50%, Max $1,000 $

50%, Max $1,000 $

50%, Max $1,000 $

50% match $

Lodging 50%, Max $1,000 $

50%, Max $1,000 $

50%, Max $1,000 $

50% match $

TOTAL $15,000.00

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• Cell phones and cell phone charges• Parking• Employee salaries• Meals• Currency exchange fees• Meeting space audio/visual for reverse trade missions• Fees for shipping sample products• Cost of compliance testing an existing product for entry into an export market

Missouri Business Preference All participating firms requesting funding for services that must be provided by a third party must give preference to an established Missouri small business vendor. Examples of contracted services may include but are not limited to the following: translation services; promotional media design and development; and any additional services that may be categorized as a subset of the aforementioned and approved by the DED.

GMAP Participation Process 1. Review, complete and sign the DED disclosure/confidentiality agreement2. Submit an application for the trade event of interest, including additional documentation as per

the DED (may occur only during the eligible application time period, October 1 – December 31)3. Receive written approval from the DED in advance of the trade event (or directly after the

eligible application time period)4. Complete or take part in the trade event5. Upon completion of the trade event, submit pertinent receipts and documentation for

reimbursement to the DED6. Complete a program evaluation and impact statement7. Receive reimbursement for eligible expenses from the DED

Partner Display Successful GMAP applicants will be required to display a partnership logo of the GMAP program on their booth or materials, as applicable. Increased export sales create a public benefit through their positive effect on Missouri’s economy including job creation and increased wealth for Missouri’s families. In consideration of the cost-share funding, participants can also assist the State with a global message about Missouri as a great place to work, play, live and conduct business. The logo will be provided to the successful applicants as part of the approval process.

Application/Approval Process A complete application includes:

• One executed electronic copy emailed to: exports@ded.mo.gov• One original signed version to:

Missouri Department of Economic DevelopmentAttn: Melanie Bax301 West High Street, RM 720Jefferson City, Mo 65101

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Eligible applicants must submit a complete application form in order to be considered. Only applications for eligible cost-share activities will be reviewed for approval. Application review will consider activity, market opportunity, impact, likelihood of success and availability of funds. Approval of the application is required in advance of the event. Once completed, all receipts and source documentation evidencing the cost and the cost share must be submitted to DED for reimbursement. Reimbursement is the lesser of the authorized amount in the approval letter or the actual eligible costs. A Tax Clearance letter from the Missouri Department of Revenue indicating that the applicant/company has no outstanding taxes due must accompany the request for reimbursement.

Reporting: Each participant shall complete a Client Impact Statement that provides the outcomes of participation in the trade show event or other approved GMAP activity. The Statements will be aggregated by DED (without company identification) in order to determine the return on investment to the program as a whole.

Application Checklist: Marketing Activity

o Completed Applicationo Export Plan (If required)

Supporting Documents: o Executed Disclosure & Confidentiality Agreemento Self Representation Formo Debarment Certification Formo MissouriBUYSo Sign & Return Certification of Statemento E-verify Memorandumo Export Plan (if required)

Additional documents required after activity takes place: o Receiptso Tax clearanceo Invoiceo Client impact statement

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Global Market Access Program (G-MAP)

CHECKLIST

Please include each of the following items as part of your application:

1. Marketing Activity

Completed Application

Export Plan (if required)

Supporting documents:

Executed Disclosure & Confidentiality Agreement

Self-Representation Form

Debarment Certification Form

Missouri BUYS

Sign and Return Certification of Statement

E-Verify Memorandum

Export Plan (if required)

2. Additional documentation required after activity takes place

Receipts

Tax Clearance

Invoice

Client Impact Statement

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Office Use Only

ID #:

Global Market Access ProgramAPPLICATION FORM

The Global Market Access Program (GMAP) offers Missouri small businesses cost-sharing opportunities to fund international marketing activities that will help to increase their export sales. Eligible activities include: foreign trade shows, foreign trade missions, foreign market sales trips, subscription services of the US Department of Commerce and US Department of Agriculture, and international marketing media. All applications must be submitted and approved by DED prior to the execution of the proposed activity. Please be advised that not all applications will qualify or be approved for funding, due to limited funds available.

Name of Applicant Business (must be the same name as you registered with)

Missouri Business Charter Number (to retrieve, please visit: https://www.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity):

Missouri Tax I.D. Number:

Contact Person: Title:

Street Address 1: Phone Number:

Street Address 2: Fax Number:

Alternative Address: Mobile Number:

City: County: State: Zip Code:

Website: E-mail:

Number of Employees (FTE) in Missouri: Year Established:

If your company is foreign owned, please indicate the parent company and country.Parent Company: Country:

Please provide a brief profile of your company:

Please indicate the range of your company’s annual sales: Under US $500K US $501K-US $999K US $1M-US $10M US $10M-US $25M Over $25M

Do you currently export? Yes No

If yes, what percent of your sales are through export?0-15% 16-50% 51-75% 76-100%

PART A. - APPLICANT INFORMATION

Is this business an affiliate or subsidiary of another company? If yes, state name of the parent company and location.

Are the principal operations of the applicant located in Missouri? If no, please list the state.

Is 51% of your product derived in the state of Missouri? (“Made in Missouri,” products must have a content consisting of 51% or more of in-state produced or manufactured parts, labor and or value-added content or any combination thereof.) Yes No

Please briefly explain your company’s export plan and how the proposed funding for international marketing activities will assist in meeting the goals and sales objectives of your export plan. (You may be required to submit your export plan.)

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COST TO BE REIMBURSED

Activity/Expense Category

Trade Show Trade Mission/FMS Trip

DED/MDA/USDOC/

USDA Matchmaker

Company Match

Required

Maximum Funding Per

Company, Annually

ShippingRegistration/Participation Fee/Booth Construction

50%, Max $5000,

+10% for TargetIndustry in a

General Market,OR

+20% for TargetIndustry in a Key Market

$

50%, Max $4000,

+10% for TargetIndustry in a

General Market,OR

+20% for TargetIndustry in a Key Market

$

50%, Max $1500

$

50% Match

$

Market Media

Website Translation

50% Max $1,500$50% Max $3,000$

50% Max $1,500$50% Max $3,000$

50% Max $1,500$50% Max $3,000$

50% Match$50% Match$

Interpreter Service

90%, Max $500$

90%, Max $500$

90%, Max $500$

10% Match$

US Department of Commerce GKS

50%, Max $2,000$

50%, Max $2,000$

50% Max $2,000$

50% Match$

Airfare 50%, Max $1,000$

50%, Max $1,000$

50% Max $1,000$

50% Match$

Lodging 50%, Max $1,000$

50%, Max $1,000$

50% Max $1,000$

50% Match$

TOTAL $15,000.00

List expenses for reimbursement of international marketing activities under the GMAP, maximum reimbursement levels are included in budget secton.

Type of Activity: Domestic Trade Show USDOC Matchmaker Service USDA Matchmaker Service Foreign Trade Show DED Matchmaker Service Foreign Trade Mission Foreign Market Sales Trip

Activity Name:

City and Country Location(s): Date(s) of activity:

Names and titles of your Missouri personnel who will attend this show:

PART B. - INTERNATIONAL MARKETING ACTIVITIES & BUDGET

NAME TITLE

1.

2.

3.

Is there any other funding source available for this activity? □Yes □No If yes, please identify source.

*Additional Requirements:Additional requirements as per the GMAP are located in full with the program description at the following website. http://www.ded.mo.gov/exports/home

Key Markets:BrazilCanadaChinaEuropeHong KongIndiaIsrael

Target Industries:Advanced ManufacturingBioSciences Energy SolutionsFinancial & Professional ServicesHealth Science & ServicesInformation TechnologyTransportation/Logistics

JapanKoreaMexicoSingaporeTaiwanUnited Arab Emirates

Industry Type: Advanced Manufacturing NAICS: __________________ BioSciences NAICS: __________________ Energy Solutions NAICS: __________________ Financial & Professional Services NAICS: __________________

Health Science & Services NAICS: __________________ Information Technology NAICS: __________________ Transportation / Logistics NAICS: __________________ Other NAICS: __________________

Type of Ownership (check one): S Corporation C Corporation Limited Liability Corporation Limited Liability Partnership Sole Proprietorship Partnership Cooperative Association Other (please specify)

Ethnicity of majority owner: Black/African American Native American Asian Eskimo/Aleut Polynesian/Native Hawaiian Hispanic White/Caucasian Other (please specify)

Sex of majority owner: Male Female

Veteran Owned Business?

Yes No

How did you hear about our office/services?

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PART C. - SELF REPRESENTATION

Event Objectives (Please rank numerically or mark N/A if not applicable. 1 being most significant) RANKFinding initial agent/distributor/rep(s) for market(s)

Finding replacement agent/distributor/rep(s)

Immediate Sales

Market Research/New Business Contacts

Finding Joint Ventures Partner(s)

Finding Licensee(s)

Please fill out the Global Market Access Program Self Representation Form which verifies the following:

The undersigned seeks funding from a state program. For purposes of implementing the Global Market Access Program, the below operationally defines the term ‘eligible small business,’ as an entity that:

1. Is a company, with annual sales of $25 million or less, and with 500 employees or less; 2. Has been in business for not less than a-3-year period on the date of application for funding; 3. Is operating profitably in Missouri; 4. Has demonstrated an understanding of the key aspects of exporting and doing business internationally as determined by the

DED; and5. Has in effect a strategic plan for exporting. (*A copy of the applicant’s export plan may be required to complete the application .)

PART D. - DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION

State: The State of Missouri DED requires all applicants of the Global Market Access Program to certify their eligibility by completing a Debarment Certification. It also requires the applicants to vet their debarment status with the State of Missouri on the Debarred Contractors List. http://oa.mo.gov/fmdc/dc/debarredcont.html

REIMBURSABLE/NON-REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES:Specific reimbursable expenses include:• International or domestic trade show, trade mission, DED/MDA foreign market sales trip, DED/MDA matchmaker trade delegation, US

DOC/USDA matchmaker trade delegation participation fees;• Costs associated with shipping displays, samples, catalogs, or advertising materials;• Costs incurred at a trade show event for utilities, booth construction, or necessary modification, repairs or other reasonable expenses as-

sociated with displays; and• Costs associated with first time foreign language translation of brochures and product literature or the use of translation services and

interpreters at a trade show, DED/MDA trade mission, DED/MDA foreign market sales trip or US DOC/USDA matchmaker trade delegation event.

• The undersigned agrees to only submit qualified reimbursable expenses to DED for repayment. If any expenses are improperly submitted and subsequently paid as a result of wrongdoing the undersigned will be subject to repayment penalties.

The following expenses may not be reimbursed:• Travel costs (passport/visa fees, ground transportation, parking) • Cell phones and cell phone charges• Employee salaries • Parking• Meals and entertainment • Meeting space audio/visual for reverse trade missions• Currency exchange fees • Fees for shipping sample products• Expenses related to entertaining current or prospective clients or government officials• Cost of compliance testing an existing product for entry into an export market• New product development or alteration of existing products

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SUBMIT APPLICATION

Please submit the application electronically, then sign this page and mail original application to address below.

Missouri International Trade & Investment Office301 W. High St, Ste 720, PO Box 118, Jefferson City, MO 65102 USA

Phone: 1-573-751-4855 Fax: 1-573-526-1567Website: www.ded.mo.gov/exports/home

Email: exports@ded.mo.gov

Print Name and Title Signature Date

THE APPLICANT CERTIFIES THAT:1. To the best of its knowledge and belief, the information contained in this application is true and correct and that supporting

documentation for the claims and assertions made within this application is available to the DED for its review.2. The applicant understands that submitting false or misleading information in connection with this application may result in

the applicant being found ineligible for participation in the Global Market Access Program.3. Global Market Access Program funds will only be used for those activities included in the project budget, and the funds

will not be used to replace funds from any other source.4. A separate application must be received for each proposed project. The applicant understands that the application must be

submitted and approved by the DED prior to the execution of all activities included in the application in order to qualify forreimbursement.

5. The applicant will send in the self representation form.6. The applicant will send in the state debarment form.7. The applicant will register with MissouriBUYS.8. To my knowledge, there is no person who is actively engaged in the management of the Applicant who has been convicted

of a felony, is currently under indictment for a felony, or is currently on parole or probation.9. There are no pending or threatened liens, judgments, or material litigation against the Applicant or any person who is

engaged in the management of the Applicant that would have a material impact on the viability of the Applicant.10. The Applicant is registered to do business in the State of Missouri and is found to be in Good Standing with the Missouri

Secretary of State.11. The Applicant is not delinquent with respect to any federal, state or local taxes or fees.12. The Applicant has obtained or is capable of obtaining all necessary federal, state and local permits and licenses including

valid passports, visas and other related international travel documents.13. Neither the operations of the Applicant nor the receipt of State cost share funds would violate any existing agreements.14. Certification and E-verify—By signing this application, the company is also certifying that the organization does not employ

illegal aliens (undocumented workers) and that the information contained in the application is true, correct and complete.a. In addition to certifying that your organization does not employ illegal aliens, all applicants must: 1) enroll in E-Verify, 2)

confirm enrollment and participation in E-Verify on the Certification, and 3) provide supporting documentation.b. The E-Verify Program, conducted jointly by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Verification Division

and the Social Security Administration (SSA), is designed to provide employment status information to determine theeligibility of applicants for employment.

c. E-Verify requires that participating commercial employers use the automated Verification Information System (VIS) tocheck the SSA and the USCIS databases to verify the employment authorization of ALL newly hired employees.

d. Employer participation in E-Verify is free. Access the E-Verify website at: https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/

PART F. - CERTIFICATION OF STATEMENT

PART E. - MissouriBUYS

As a vendor using the Global Market Access Program, you will be required to register your business with the Office of Administration through MissouriBUYS. The vendor registration portal is available on the MissouriBUYS website at https://missouribuys.mo.gov.

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