In a matter of weeks, the 2022 Branded Program will close for the year. All payments and activities should be completed by December 31, 2022, to qualify for reimbursement. But just like Alexander Graham Bell said, “When one door closes, another one opens,” and at Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast this means that on January 1, 2023, the 2023 Program Year begins, offering another opportunity to participate and benefit from our program. 

Keep in mind that participation in the program is contingent on completing the Contract Package. In this blog we outline the items that make up the package: 

1. Contracts agreement(s) for signature: The contracts will provide the company name, address, and contact details. They will also give a summary of the requested allocation, as well as the countries where the potential participant will conduct promotional activities. We suggest you read the entire agreement carefully. Once you have read it, you can sign each copy of the Branded Program Term Sheet electronically where indicated. Then you return BOTH copies to Food Export-Midwest or Food Export-Northeast for the final signature. We will return one copy of the executed agreement to you for your records.  

2. W-9 Tax Form: We are required to retain your tax identification number by the IRS. Due to this, we ask that you complete the W-9 Tax Form and submit it with your signed contracts. 

3. Invoice for 6% administrative fee: This invoice can be paid via check, ACH or credit card. *Note that there is a 3% transaction fee added to credit card payments. Instructions for paying by credit card can be found here.  

4. A form to enroll in ACH Reimbursement Payments: We highly recommend receiving your reimbursement payments via ACH, since it is a quicker way to receive reimbursement during the program year. Please fill out this ACH Reimbursement Form and return it with the rest of your contract materials. If you have received reimbursement payment via ACH in the past, please confirm your banking details with us for 2023.  

5. Branded Permission Form: This form is to be completed if the applicant does not own the brand for which they are applying.  

6. The Product of the USA sign: Your contract package will also include a Product of the USA sign. In most cases, all your promotions must include this sign, or another version of the US origin statement, in order to be eligible for reimbursement. 

Do not forget to apply for the 2023 Branded Program before December 31, 2022 to ensure a full year of eligible activities! 
 
Submit Your 2023 Branded Program Pre-qualification & Application