Recently, more and more Israeli companies have been contacting me with the same scenario: “We’ve been selling to the Israeli military for years, but today there is a critical shortage of funds.  Therefore, the Israeli DOD wants to purchase my products using FMF funds.  Can I establish manufacturing in Virginia? 

The short answer is “yes”.  And the long answer is “yes” as well. 

The FMF funds are the $2.0 billion in military aid (Foreign Military Funding) that Israel receives each year.  This money must be spent in the US to purchase US products.  An Israeli company can fulfill FMF orders either by establishing their own manufacturing facility in the US and/or by partnering with another American company.  The Israeli company setting up in Virginia might also be eligible for various financial incentives, such as loans, workforce training grants, tax credits etc. 

The Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) can help guide an Israeli company through the maze of getting up and running.   Even if it’s a relatively small order totaling a few $million, we can assist you.  And once you’re up and running, you can approach the US DOD.  A bit of trivia you many not know: Virginia companies receive more Federal Contracts than any other State with the exception of California… and Virginia is closing in on them as well. 
 
I am visiting Israel in November and will be available for consultation from November 9 – 24.  The best way to contact me is through email: robbins@viab.org or via telephone: 972-56-300376.  I look forward to hearing from you.

The Israel Export Institute in Tel Aviv, Israsel,  hosted a Virginia Lead Seminar titled “How to Open Doors and Walk Through Them”.   Mr. Robbins, the Executive Director of VIAB, was impressed b the level and motivation of the participants.  “They clearly need to move to the next level in the United States.  They understood that we can show them the techniques to do that.

The morning session on networking was presented by Limor Shafman, a marketing strategist and business development specialist from Arlington, Virginia, who came to Israel specifically for this event.  According to Limor: “Networking is a give and take relationship.  I came to Israel to offer my collective expertise.”  Many of the participating companies lined up to receive Shafman’s goodwill gesture of a free consultation during her stay in Israel.

The afternoon session was lead by Jonathan Klahr, a principle at BMR Capital, a VC firm whose founders became famous by being the first investors in the Israeli startup, Check Point Software.  The seminar taught how to approach VC firms based on the insights of a real VC insider.

Mr. Robbins said that 42 people participated from 35 different companies and that many have expressed a desire to consult with him during his current trip to Israel.  When asked if there is a cost for his consulting, Mr. Robbins explained that his services are part of Virginia’s Economic Development program and therefore there are no fees.  Mr. Robbins can be reached during his current Israeli trip at the following number: 056-300376.