Other Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs)
Great Lakes TAAC is only one of a network of 12 TAACs across the country. This page lists all the Centers by region.

Department of Commerce
This web site works as the gateway to all programs within the Department and provides current information about the U.S. economy, trade and the economic census.

U.S. Small Business Administration
This website contains information about SBA programs and publications, as well as information of interest to small business owners. The SBA runs many programs for small firms including financing,training and advocacy services. Most programs are run though the state offices: Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Also available are SCORE and the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) for each state: Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP)
MEP is a nationwide network of centers focused on providing assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. The program is funded through NIST, which itself is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This website contains general information about the overall program, as well as links to all 70 Manufacturing Extension Centers.

Michigan Manufacturers Association
"The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) is the state’s leading advocate exclusively devoted to promoting and maintaining a business climate that makes it possible for Michigan manufacturers to compete in the national and international marketplace."

The Network for Excellence in Manufacturing (NEM) Online
NEM Online "is a computer-based information system developed at Michigan State University and its partners to support the activities of manufacturing assistance providers and manufacturers in the state of Michigan." The site is mostly geared towards small and medium-sized business in Michigan.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The USCC is "America's principle advocate for the American business community." With over 3 million members, it is the largest business federation in the world. There are also state chambers located in: Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

U.S. International Trade Administration
The ITA's function is "to encourage, assist, and advocate U.S. exports... to ensure U.S. business has equal access to foreign markets...[and] to enable U.S. business to compete against unfairly traded imports..." This website contains a wealth of information, including descriptions of programs, current trade news, and extensive trade statistics.

Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Indiana's economic development department has a description of state specific business and economic data. It also offers potentially useful services. The Indiana Department of Commerce also has similar services.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Michigan's economic development department offers various services for businesses along with business and economic data.

Ohio Department of Jobs Development
Ohio's economic development department has potentially useful services for businesses as well as state-specific business and economic data.

U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The MBDA "is the only Federal agency specifically created to encourage the creation, growth, and expansion of minority-owned business in the United States." The website included descriptions of MBDA programs plus good links to resources for small and minority business-owners. (The Chicago regional office covers all the Indiana, Michigan and Ohio; contact information is available from the MBDA site.)

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
The USTR is responsible for developing and coordinating trade policy. The website offers reports, speeches, and press releases on trade policy issues, as well as access to the actual text of major U.S. international trade agreements.

North American Development Bank (NADBank)
The U.S. Community Adjustment and Investment Program (USCAIP) within NADBank "is a loan program created by the United States Government for communities which need assistance adjusting to trade impacts of NAFTA, where those impacts have resulted in the loss of jobs." The site describes the program and provides information on how eligibility is determined.