OCTOBER 5, 2015 — Industry trade shows and retail events can boost business sales, export opportunities and brand awareness. The Wyoming Business Council assists in the effort to help the state’s entrepreneurs prosper by offering the Trade Show Incentive Grant to qualifying businesses.
Since 2005, more than 300 Wyoming-based companies with products made in Wyoming have attended more than 500 different shows in Wyoming, regionally, nationally and internationally with Trade Show Incentive Grant assistance.
Past shows included Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas; Specialty Coffee Association of America in Seattle; Acusport Show in Fort Worth, Texas; Coffee Fest in Seattle; Golden North Salmon Derby in Juneau, Alaska; Fancy Food Show in Toronto, Ontario; National Hardware Show in Las Vegas; Blade Show in Atlanta, and English Expo in Seoul, South Korea.
The Trade Show Incentive Grant reimburses companies up to 50 percent of approved expenses to attend a show. Reimbursement options include event and booth fees, transportation costs and pre-approved event-specific marketing materials.
Registration procedures for trade shows vary, with many requiring advance planning by the businesses. The Trade Show Incentive Grant program was designed to be flexible and allow companies the opportunity to apply up to one year prior to the first day of an event and as few as 60 days prior to a show’s start.
“This grant is welcome support to many Wyoming companies. Some could not attend these shows without this assistance, and they greatly appreciate the opportunity,” Wyoming Products Program Manager Terri Barr said. “Applicants attend both wholesale and retail shows. As long as the show has a regional, national or international audience, we will consider the application.”
To learn more about the grant or to request an application, contact Barr at 307-777-2807 or [email protected]. Go to http://bit.ly/1IDF4nb to see the Trade Show Incentive Grant guidelines.
About the Wyoming Business Council. Our mission is to increase Wyoming’s prosperity. We envision a Wyoming where industries are strong, diverse and expanding. Small business is a big deal. Communities have the highest quality of life. Wyoming is the technology center of the High Plains. Wyoming knows no boundaries. Please go to www.wyomingbusiness.org for more information.