Funds available for state’s exporters who seek to grow

Wisconsin food, forestry and agriculture companies interested in developing their e-commerce capabilities to better target Chinese markets, are invited to apply for grants through a pilot program administered by the Wisconsin International Agribusiness Center (IABC), a bureau of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Through the Global Business Development Program, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the DATCP received $90,000 to help exporters of Wisconsin food, forestry and agriculture products, develop new e-commerce distribution channels in China.

Wisconsin companies can apply for up to $9,000 each, and are required to provide at least 30 percent in matching funds.

Funds can be used for a variety of expenses related to e-commerce operations, including consulting, purchasing software, advertisements, registration costs and translation services. Companies interested in applying for a grant should contact DATCP Economic Development consultant Ashwini Rao, at Ashwini.Rao@wisconsin.gov.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 18.

“We appreciate WEDC’s partnership in making this grant available for our state’s agricultural and food businesses,” said Mark Rhoda-Reis, director of the DATCP’s IABC. “Wisconsin products already exist in many stores in China, but have a minor presence, if any, on e-commerce platforms. We look forward to serving as a resource for Wisconsin companies, in exploring these new opportunities in the Chinese market.”