Exports initiative offers local programming

The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership at UNL is among a number of Nebraska groups bringing a nationally recognized program to the state to help small and mid-sized manufacturers boost their exports.
The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership at UNL is among a number of Nebraska groups bringing a nationally recognized program to the state to help small and mid-sized manufacturers boost their exports.

The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership at UNL is among a number of Nebraska groups bringing a nationally recognized program to the state to help small and mid-sized manufacturers boost their exports.

The program, ExporTech, provides companies with a systematic process for entering or expanding in global markets and connects them with the best international business experts in the region. The program helps participants in developing a peer-reviewed export growth plan in 12 weeks, quickly moving them from planning to closing export sales.

Participating companies have generated, on average, $770,000 in new export sales, often within six months of completion. The program involves a unique combination of innovative group sessions and individualized coaching.

Later this month, international business experts will be visiting various Nebraska cities to discuss ExporTech, with informational meetings in Omaha, Grand Island and Lincoln on Jan. 27, 28 and 29, respectively. For details regarding these meetings or to learn more about Nebraska ExporTech, click here or contact Harold Sargus at hsargus@unomaha.edu or 402-554-4088.

ExporTech begins March 24 and is offered by the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Nebraska Business Development Center, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Small Business Administration with sponsorship support from FedEx. All sessions for the program will be hosted at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

The program is limited to eight companies with scholarship opportunities available to qualified applicants.

The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, located at UNL, provides support and assistance to enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises statewide. It is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, encompassing 60 centers in every state and Puerto Rico.