The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded $525,000 to Utah under its State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). This funding will be managed by World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) to assist local businesses in reaching new international markets. Marla Trollan, SBA Utah District Director, emphasized the importance of this funding in helping local companies navigate the complexities of global trade. “The $525,000 STEP grant will help Utah businesses expand their reach into global markets. Our partnership with WTC Utah has been instrumental in creating opportunities for growth and success on the international stage.”
STEP funds are designated for a range of activities, including participation in international trade shows and missions, the development of marketing materials for foreign audiences, accessing U.S. Department of Commerce services, covering travel expenses for global sales trips, and export training workshops. Since its launch, the STEP grant program has supported over 18,000 U.S. small businesses, contributing to $6.8 billion in exports. The funding helps Utah companies enter new markets, increase export sales, and enhance their global presence.
Jonathan Freedman, President and CEO of WTC Utah, highlighted the benefits of the STEP grant. “This funding allows Utah businesses to attend international trade events and create valuable partnerships. It also provides essential resources to help our local companies succeed globally, further establishing Utah as a leader in international trade.” One example of success from previous STEP funding is Staheli West, an agricultural equipment manufacturer based in Cedar City. The company used STEP funds to attend Australia’s Fodder Festival, where it showcased its cutting-edge hay baling technology and built key connections with distributors. This initiative helped Staheli West increase its visibility and expand its market reach.
Kay Kare, a Salt Lake City-based, women-owned business, utilized STEP funding to participate in the Global Health Exhibition in Saudi Arabia. The company formed strategic partnerships and solidified key contacts, paving the way for expansion into other Gulf countries and Türkiye. The grant application is now open for Utah companies interested in exploring new international markets. WTC Utah encourages technology-focused companies to apply and take advantage of this funding opportunity.
For more information on the program, visit wtcutah.com/grants.
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