Trade Show Grant Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Our company operates in Wisconsin and we are totally autonomous. However, we are part of a larger group. Do we qualify for the program?
A. If the gross annual sales of your company, its subsidiaries, or parent firm were less than $25 million in the calendar year preceding your application, you meet the financial test. If the total figure is over $25 million you do not.

Q. What is a "new market" for the purposes of your program?
A. A market in which your company does not have established agents, distributors or representatives and/or a market to which your company does not have significant sales.

Q. We are a privately held company and do not release financial information about our company. Must we complete the financial section?
A. Yes. All requested information must be completed. We ask for basic financial information as well as information on bankruptcies and lawsuits to insure that public monies are well spent. We will also do a credit check on your company.

Q. Can we apply for reimbursement for a show we have already attended?
A. No.  Your application has to be received and evaluated and a contract between your firm and the Department of Commerce needs to be signed prior to the event taking place.

Q. Must we apply six months in advance?
A. No, but it's a very good idea. Funding for the program is limited. If you apply well in advance there is a far greater likelihood that funding will be available. In addition, applications are considered on their merits. Our program is structured to favor companies who approach international markets in a planned, logical fashion. A sound international marketing plan submitted well in advance of the event in question is a very good indicator that your firm is serious and likely to succeed.

Q. If we meet all the criteria for the program must you give us a grant?
A. No. At present, only about half of our applicants are successful.

Q. Can we send our distributor or rep to the show in our place?
A. No. You must send a Wisconsin-based company employee to the show. Part of our rationale is to expose Wisconsin-based employees to international markets.

Q. Do you accept credit card receipts as proof of payment?
A. Yes.

Q. Why do you require our company's President, CEO or owner to sign the contract? Can't I sign on their behalf?
A. No. The commitment of your company's principals to export is essential to your success and someone who can legally commit your company must sign the contract.

Q. We will be making modifications to our trade show booth for this event. Can we claim these modifications as a reimbursable expense?
A. If the expenses are show specific (e.g.; banners in Russian for a show in Russia) we will approve reimbursement. If the modifications are generic and one can reasonable expect that these changes will be incorporated into your booth we will not reimburse. Please check in advance if you have questions.

Q. Will you reimburse us for translating our literature into a foreign language?
A. Yes - if the translation is related to the show. (e.g.; we would need exceptional justification from you to approve a Japanese translation for a show in Argentina). But we will not pay the costs of printing such literature. Q. Will we be visited by an International Division representative? A. Yes. He or she will submit a detailed memorandum about your company and the likelihood that the grant will help your company penetrate the international market(s) in question.

Q. Can we apply more than once?
A. Yes. But your company can be approved for no more than $5,000 in a twelve-month period and no more than $15,000 overall.  Subsequent grants cannot be used to exhibit at the same event even if it moves to a new location.

Q. What if we don't spend the full amount of our grant?
A. Grants are normally made for amounts up to $5,000. You will only be reimbursed for actual eligible expenses up to the amount of your grant.

Q. We don't want our competitors to know about our strategies. Can they get access to our application?
A. Yes. That's why we ask you not to include trade secrets or proprietary information in you application. To date, we have not had such requests.

Q. How do you justify using public monies to help private companies?
A. If we make good choices, our grants create company profits and jobs. These in turn create tax revenues which, in turn, pay for the program.

Q. My company is a successful exporter and much of our income comes from sales overseas. Can we apply?
A. Yes. But we look closely at the percentage of present export sales in evaluating applications. All things equal, a company which has been highly successful in penetrating a number of foreign markets will rank lower than a company which is new to export.

Q. Why do you allow firms with new hi-tech products with worldwide application to exhibit at U.S. shows with major international particpation?
A. Because in many hi-tech sectors the most important international trade shows are held in the United States. We want to insure that companies attend the show which is most likely to help it succeed