We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

 

Our Business Services

Small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs are the engines that power local economies throughout the state. To support them every step of the way, the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness has a suite of programs and services that meet their diverse needs, from education and training to business loans and export assistance.

 

Expert Trade Assistance for Small Businesses

Whether you’re new to the idea of exporting or taking 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.
• Export Voucher Program - Qualifying companies who are new to exports or entering new markets can get up to $5,000 to offset expenses through the Export Voucher Program. Funded in part by the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program, the vouchers can be used to defray trade show or trade mission fees, airfare, interpreter and translation services, export training programs and more.
• 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.
• Trade Missions & Trade Shows - Participating in a state-sponsored trade mission or trade show can open doors that could never be opened if you went 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.
• 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.

 

 

Links to websites outside the U.S. Federal & State Government Agencies are for the convenience of the user. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the Federal or State government agency of any private sector website, product, or service. We have performed limited due diligence research; but we strongly recommend that you perform your own due diligence investigation and background research on any company. We assume no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the providers listed. We reserve the right not to list any particular company.