Local businesses going global thanks to Broad’s IBC and Ford
 |
| Hult |
The International Business Center at the Eli Broad College of Business was recently awarded a seed grant as a part of the Ford College Community Challenge to start the Michigan Export Growth Program. The program will provide free consulting to help area companies explore their global options.
"In this age of globalization, businesses need to change in order to be successful, and exporting is essential for the future success of local businesses," says Tomas Hult, acting associate dean of Global Initiatives at the Broad School and director of the International Business Center. "Exporting is challenging, but it is also essential. We want to help local businesses that will in turn help rebuild our economy."
Through this program, Broad School International Business students will help small and medium-sized companies in the area develop exporting plans for their products and services and implement those plans. Key to this program is the cutting-edge knowledge of newly educated students who have the proper international training and experiences.
The objective is to help local companies develop and implement an exporting program, also in partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, so that local businesses can become more competitive and reach the international market. Teams have already started working with local food producers, health providers and the Capital Region International Airport.
"In the spirit of Michigan State University’s world-grant initiative, we are delighted to partner with the Ford Motor Company to create the Michigan Export Growth Program which will develop model opportunities for businesses to become engaged in the global marketplace," says MSU Provost Kim Wilcox. "This project will afford Michigan entrepreneurs access to the cutting-edge knowledge of our newly educated international business students, while also providing practical hands-on leadership experience for our students to ensure their future success."
"Education is a top priority for Ford Motor Company Fund," says Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "We are pleased to be able to support the millennial spirit of innovation in these students, whose projects help address critical needs within their communities."
For more information and an online questionnaire for interested businesses, visit: global.broad.msu.edu.