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Keeping Your Business Competitive
Besides state and local incentives that are available to companies in Lake County, there are other organizations that can help keep your business competitive.
U.S. Export Assistance Center
In our current climate, it has become even more critical for businesses to understand and become more competitive in the global economy. Lake County Partners office houses a local branch of the U.S. Export Assistance Center, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Trade specialists throughout the centers' worldwide network can provide your company with export counseling and assistance including:
- Identifying the most promising markets.
- Bringing overseas opportunities to your attention.
- Procuring customized international market research.
- Locating overseas agents, distributors, importers or joint venture partners.
- Making contacts and arranging appointment schedules for overseas visits.
- Investigating the background of potential international partners.
- Facilitating participation in trade shows, catalog shows and trade missions.
- Financing and credit insurance for export transaction through the SBA and Export-Import Bank.
- Advocacy for international tenders and procurement.
Visit the BuyUSA.gov website.
College of Lake County
The College of Lake County’s Business and Industry Services Department is committed to providing programs and services designed to improve the organizational performance and profitability of Lake County companies. Programs are client-focused and designed to meet the unique needs of small, medium and large employers. The Business and Industry Services Department consists of three separate but complimentary centers:
- The Business and Industry Training Center
Provides customized, on-site training and employee development programs. The Center provides a wide range of training programs including English as a second language, foreign language instruction, computer software/hardware and management/leadership development.
- The Small Business Development Center
Provides one-on-one consulting and workshops for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Services include assistance in developing business plans, implementing financial accounting systems and support in securing financial assistance.
- The Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Provides assistance in marketing and selling products and services to government agencies (federal, state or local). Services include one-on-one consulting and seminars in identifying potential government markets, understanding government procurement processes and computer-aided bid lead identification.
Chicago Manufacturing Center
The Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC) works with manufacturers to improve performance and productivity through management, process and information technology consulting services. CMC provides business, technical and financial services tailored to the needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers. These services include:
- Assessments
- Lean Enterprise
- Quality Systems & Process Improvement
- Energy/Environment/Health and Safety
- Information Technology
- Workforce Development
- Business Management
- International Business
Lake County Partners has an affilliate relationship with CMC and facilitates meetings between Lake County companies and CMC. For more information, contact us.
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