Metro Chicago Exports

Collaborating Regionally to Drive Exports for small & medium enterprises, MCE is an unprecedented partnership between the City of Chicago and the seven counties in Northeastern Illinois (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will) to support regional job growth

Photo: “Chicago Forever ” by Trey Ratcliff

Goals

Build a Targeted Pipeline

of export-ready firms

Provide Concierge-Type Service

to capture global opportunities

Connect

firms to international parties and local peer networks

Provide Microgrant Program

To reduce the initial business costs of reaching new markets

83%

of global economic growth is occurring outside the U.S., 2003-2018 (Source: World Economic Outlook, International Monetary Fund, 2013.)

Economic Growth is Global

The vast majority of global growth is occurring outside the United States

Photo: “Boeing 767-424-ER, United Airlines …” by Konstantin von Wedelstaedt

Accomplishments

Secured regional support from county chairs and economic development organizations across the region

Developed working relationships with key export service providers at federal, state and local levels

Received commitment and funding from key program sponsors to launch initiative


Awarded nearly $100,000 to 22 SMEs to advance their international trade, specifically exports

Received commitment from key programs sponsor to continue initiative through second year

Partners

Brookings Institution | City of Chicago | Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning | Cook County | DuPage County | JPMorgan Chase | Kane County |
Kendall County | Lake County | MacArthur Foundation | McHenry County | Metropolis Strategies | RW Ventures | Will County

For more information visit

metrochicagoexports.com

Strategic Alignment

Make Chicago a National Leader in