Export Training Program Available through DBEDT

DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. State of Hawai’i image.

A new Hawai’i State Trade and Export Promotion – Export Readiness Program has been announced by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

HiSTEP-ERP will provide training programs to companies in Hawai’i to assist in expanding their export market development.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the United States Small Business Administration, the program is a component of DBEDT’s HiSTEP program.

“The department continues to grow the foundation for exporting in Hawai’i,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “These new programs enable Hawai’i companies to seek new markets to increase manufacturing and sales, which will result in the creation of more jobs.”

Success metrics for the HiSTEP program include, but are not limited to, expanded exports and revenue from exports of Hawai’i produced goods and services, a larger overall number and a larger percentage of Hawai’i-based companies that are active in global markets, and penetration of new markets for Hawai’i produced goods and services.

Export University is an introductory program open to all types of businesses considering exporting. Participants receive 16 hours of instruction over the course of several days. At the conclusion of the program, companies will have a go-to-market strategy and export plan.

The application deadline is Feb. 15. A program fee of $99 is due by the first session.

ExporTech is designed for companies that have some experience with exporting, but not as part of a proactive export market development plan.  ExporTech is organized by the Federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership and focuses mostly, but not exclusively, on businesses involved in manufacturing. Participants meet for one day each month over a three month period with assignments in between the one-day sessions.

The application deadline is Feb.15. A program fee of $295 is due by the first session.

Partner organizations for this training program include: Innovate Hawai’i, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Hawai’i Pacific Export Council, Hawai’i Small Business Development Center, U.S. Commercial Service, and U.S. Small Business Administration.

Interested applicants can apply online.