Expand Your Business Globally: Illinois Export Roadshow for Manufacturers 2025

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Trade and Investment and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center in the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University Intro: Join us for a pizza lunch-and-learn to explore solutions, connect with experts, and take the next step forward to global success. You will learn how state resources can help your business grow through exports with International Trade Specialists from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) and Illinois Small Business Development Center-International Trade Centers (SBDC-ITCs). In addition, we will be joined by OTI’s International Trade Specialist for Africa and the Middle East to discuss opportunities for Illinois companies and to answer questions on these important regions. TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: {Short summary for marketing your event/workshop } Who should attend ? Companies exporting or interested in exporting ? Economic Development Organizations ? Companies interested in learning more about Africa and the Middle East What You’ll Learn OTI services: ? Export assistance and education ? Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program ? Market intelligence and international protocol ? Trade mission coordination Illinois SBDC-ITC’s services: ? Export strategy and planning ? International market selection and market entry strategy ? Export pricing strategy ? Export marketing strategy and resources Africa and Middle East Spotlight: OTI’s International Trade Specialist for Africa and the Middle East will provide an overview of Africa and the Middle East’s growth trajectory, highlight Illinois’ export potential, and temper expectations with a realistic view of challenges. OUR SPEAKERS: Ericka White, State Director, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Margo Markopoulos, Deputy Director at the Illinois Department of Commerce over Trade and Investment. Siobhan Pangerl, International Trade Specialist for Africa and Middle East, Illinois Office of Trade and Investment.