International Financial Assistance
The State of Iowa offers financial assistance to Iowa companies that wish to take advantage of international trade shows and trade mission to enter new markets.
Export Trade Assistance Program (ETAP)
ETAP provides financial assistance to eligible Iowa firms wishing to enter new markets outside the United States. Reimbursement of up to 75% of an Iowa company's eligible direct expenses in attending a trade show/mission taking place outside of the United States, up to $3,000 per pre-approved event, up to two times per fiscal year is available.
Download the ETAP fact sheet. [PDF: 2.98MB]
For trade shows, eligible expenses include:
- Booth space rental
- Booth construction at show site
- Booth equipment and/or furniture rental
- Booth utility costs
- Freight costs of equipment and/or exhibit materials to and from show
- Interpreter fee
- Per diem for one employee for the duration of the event (per diem rates calculated at 50 percent of the U.S. Dept. of State Standardized Regulations)
For trade missions, eligible expenses include:
- Participation fees for trade missions sponsored by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Per diem for one employee for the duration of the event (per diem rates calculated at 50 percent of the U.S. Dept. of State Standardized Regulations)
- Interpreter, if not included in participation fee
- Freight costs of product samples for meetings
ETAP applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Employ fewer than 500 individuals
- At least 75% of applicant's employees must be employed in Iowa
- Applicant must exhibit in a trade show/mission products or services having been manufactured, processed, value-added, grown or raised in Iowa.
- At least one full-time employee or sales agent must participate in the event
NOTE: "Applicant" refers to the company name used for the Federal Tax I.D. number. If a division of a company wishes to apply for funding, the Federal Tax I.D. number must be different than the parent company's. Otherwise, the company will need to apply in the parent company name and all criteria must be met based on the parent company.
Parameters include:
- A business may receive ETAP funds for no more than two events per state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
- A business may receive ETAP funds for no more than two participations for the same trade show, and funding cannot be received in consecutive fiscal years.
- A business may receive ETAP funds for participation in a trade show held in a specific country only once per state fiscal year.
- A business may receive ETAP funds only if it agrees to report sales earnings as a result of the trade mission or trade show for which ETAP funding was used. Businesses must report nine and eighteen months after the event.
Application/Reimbursement Process
Submit your application as soon as possible — funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Applications should be received 30 days in advance of the event.
- Submit application with all required supporting documentation.
- Upon approval, receive, sign and return contract.
- After the trade show/program, receive and complete forms attaching additional receipts for reimbursable expenses if necessary. DO NOT submit airfare, hotel or meal receipts.
- Receive reimbursement check (Maximum amount: $3,000 per pre-approved event. Generally received three to four weeks after submission of reimbursement request).
Food Export Association of the Midwest USA is a non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Midwestern region of the United States. In conjunction with its member states, the organization provides a wide range of services to facilitate trade between local food companies and importers around the world.
Download the Food Export Association of the Midwest fact sheet. [PDF: 690k]
Services include: export promotion, customized export assistance, and a cost-share funding program. Additional information about these and other Food Export Association services can be accessed at www.foodexport.org.
To Learn More:
Phone: 515.725.3139
international@iowa.gov
