Business and Industry | Ohio International Market Access Grant For Exporters (IMAGE)
Overview

The Ohio International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) is a program funded by the State of Ohio and the United States Small Business Administration as part of the National Export Initiative to double U.S. exports by 2015.

Purpose

IMAGE is designed to increase exports and create jobs by helping small companies to promote their products and services in new international markets.

Eligibility

An eligible company must be in business for at least one year, operate a licensed business in Ohio, be in good standing with all State of Ohio agencies, and assert that it is a small business as defined by the United States Small Business Administration.

Eligible Export-Related Activities

IMAGE funds will reimburse companies a maximum of $6,000 (50 percent on qualifying expenditures up to $12,000)* for activities associated with new international marketing initiatives, including:

  • International trade show participation (excluding airfare, meals, and lodging)—e.g., Booth space rental and construction, interpreter fees, freight costs to ship booth, and trade show participation fees
  • Subscription to services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce and other approved providers—e.g., International Partner Search, Gold Key Service, Single Company Promotion, Commercial News USA, etc.
  • Select international marketing and technical translation services—e.g., Website and marketing material translation services, technical manual translations, and label translation services
  • Exporter specialized education programs—e.g., Global Target

 

*Companies located in the Ohio Appalachian region may qualify for an additional 50 percent reimbursement up to $2,000 to use toward the eligible export-related activities listed above.

Companies may apply for an additional 50 percent reimbursement up to $3,000 for any State of Ohio trade mission, 
OR up to $2,000 for any U.S. Department of Commerce trade mission, to use toward participant fees, market 
research and appointment setting fees, economy class airfare, and lodging.

To Apply

Please return the following application materials to IMAGE@development.ohio.gov – downloadable on the right.

 

  • SBA Self Representation Form and SBA Debarment Certification Form
  • IMAGE Application
  • Taxation Clearance Form
  • Vendor forms. These documents pertain to the Ohio company requesting the funds:
    • Vendor Information Form
    • W-9 Form
    • DMA Form
    • DMA Compliance Form
Supplemental Materials
  • Table of Small Business Size Standards (for SBA Self Representation Form)
  • Excluded Parties List System (for SBA Debarment Certification Form)
  • Export Questionnaire
  • Documents Required For Reimbursement
  • Ineligible Expenses
  • Fly America Act

For more information, contact us at IMAGE@development.ohio.gov or (614) 466-5017.