Over 95% of the world’s population, and 80% of the world’s buying power lies outside the United States. That means if you want to take your business to the next level, then exporting needs to be a key part of your plan.

That’s why we’re dedicated to helping Elgin companies–large and small–enter global markets. Each year, local businesses turn to us for help with navigating trade agreements and language barriers, filing the right paperwork and more.

The Economic Development Group provides services in a number of export areas.

Consulates Offering Trade Assistance - a list of diplomatic missions and trade organizations in Chicago.

Illinois Office of Trade & Investment - The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) connects Illinois businesses to global opportunities.  OTI provides export assistance to companies interested in growing their global footprint. Through a network of trade specialist located in Chicago and 7 well established regional foreign offices, OTI provides businesses with lead generation support and connects companies to foreign governments, chambers of commerce and other strategic partners around the world. Our expert team also leads trade missions, curated overseas tradeshows, and outreach events and seminars.

Office of the United States Trade Representative - American trade policy works toward opening markets throughout the world to create new opportunities and higher living standards for families, farmers, manufacturers, workers, consumers, and businesses. The United States is party to numerous trade agreements with other countries, and is participating in negotiations for new trade agreements with a number of countries and regions of the world.

US Commercial Service - The U.S. Commercial Service (CS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. Companies can find assistance locally in more than 100 U.S. Commercial Service offices nationwide and in more than 70 international offices.

• A Basic Guide to Exporting

US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration - Creates prosperity by strengthening the international competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements.

US Small Business Office of International Trade - As SBA's office for the support of small business international trade development, the Office of International Trade works in cooperation with other federal agencies and public- and private-sector groups to encourage small business exports and to assist small businesses seeking to export. Through 21 U.S. Export Assistance Centers, SBA district offices and a variety of service-provider partners, we direct and coordinate SBA's ongoing export initiatives in an effort to encourage small businesses going global.

• Handbooks and Guidelines by Product Type

Visit the Trade.Gov Advanced Manufacturing industry website 

• How To Export videos to learn how to get started
• Export Mechanics Training Videos for more in-depth instructions
• Top Markets Reports for 27 industries  
• Country Commercial Guides for 125 international markets 
• Export Market Destination country specific videos 
• Trade Finance Guide for trade financing practices and government assistance
• Guide to Doing Business with Multilateral Development Banks
• Report a Country Trade Barrier  or file a country unfair business practice compliant

Protect Intellectual Property Rights  and report violations to National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.