Expert trade assistance for small businesses.

Whether you’re new to the idea of exporting or an old hand at it, our export assistance team is here to assist you – free of charge!

That’s right, you have an experienced team at your disposal that is anxious to help you open doors overseas, connect you with foreign partners, generate leads, match you with other businesses and tap into new markets through trade shows, trade missions and other effective strategies. Our Small Business Export Assistance team focuses on specific industry sectors: aerospace, clean technology, information and communication technology, forest products, life science/global health, maritime, consumer products, education and professional services. But we can help any business in Washington State, regardless of industry.

Following are just a few of the many services you can take advantage of as a Washington State business:

Advocacy

If you run into any roadblocks, our exporting experts can help you convey the importance of exporting and trade and help you overcome any obstacles along the way, such as problems with shipping documentation, customs, logistics, visas, etc.

Consulting

We can help you create an exporting plan, clarify legal issues, find an interpreter, introduce you to foreign representatives and buyers to generate new international sales.

Risk Mitigation

Entering a new market, even for an experienced exporter, can be complex. Our Export Finance Assistance Center can help you research your trading partners and customers to ensure they are credit worthy and sort out currency exchange and payment terms and issues.

Market Research

Want to expand into a new market but not sure whether it makes sense or not? We can help you analyze markets so that you can develop and execute your export plan with complete confidence.

STEP Export Voucher Program

Qualifying companies who are new to exports or entering new markets can get up to $10,000 to offset expenses through the STEP Export Voucher Program. Funded in part by the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), the program provides direct cash assistance to reimburse qualifying small businesses to help expand international sales. Eligible reimbursements include expenses for trade show or trade mission fees, airfare, interpreter and translation services, export training programs and more. 

Trade Missions & Trade Shows

Speaking of international trade expansion, participating in a state-sponsored trade mission or trade show can open doors that could never be opened if you went it alone. Our export assistance team will help you identify the right opportunities for your business and work with you to ensure that your participation is aligned with your business goals and offers a solid opportunity for success and hopefully, new business. Our team exhibits at several industry-specific trade shows each year as well as leads or joins trade missions and we welcome you to join us. 

Business Matchmaking

No need to spend endless hours and fruitless phone calls trying to reach the right person. Our trade experts conduct numerous business matchmaking opportunities, whether as part of a state trade mission or trade show, pre-requested buyer introduction, or an inbound visit by a foreign trade delegation or organization.

Customized Programs & Services

We will be happy to create a program or service that meets your business’ specific needs in terms of exporting and trade.