From identifying new markets to defining winning entry strategies, trade specialists from the public and private sectors can help clients build a sound export plan and offer trade advice and consultation.

Trade Consulting & Strategy

No matter if clients plan to sell on their own website, on marketplaces, to businesses or consumers, specialists in eCommerce can assist clients in areas ranging from eCommerce consulting to fraud prevention.

eCommerce

Web and digital marketing experts help clients pick the right channels, engage with promising new audiences, discover the right tools to do it and create a sound digital marketing strategy.

Web & Digital Marketing

Making the sale is only half the battle. Without the proper warehousing partners, the most knowledgeable freight forwarder, the most thorough customs broker, and the most reliable shipping partners, you can’t succeed. Meet all these experts here.

Shipping and Logistics

It is salient for clients looking to expand into new markets that they communicate in an effective manner throughout all markets they wish to be part of. From translation services to translation tools, you assist clients with their localization needs.

Localization

Without the right financing partners and the safety offered by proper insurance, exporting can be a risky adventure. Assist clients with your financing and insurance services and resources.

Financing & Insurance

From exporting basics to advanced topics, these professionals, service providers and training resources will help clients become a master of global trade.

Education and Training

From tax compliance to intellectual property protection, the experts within this category can help clients understand and navigate all the paperwork that comes with exporting.

Taxes, Legal, and Regulatory

Reaching new audiences can be an exciting and lucrative adventure when done right. Clients can get in touch with professionals who will help them create winning marketing strategies and campaigns in new markets around the world.

Marketing & Communications

These are organizations that support small and medium businesses in their internationalization journey. Programs and services are available to businesses within their own state.

Trade Organizations

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Export Connect

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.

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<h1>Our Business Services</h1>

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 &amp; Competitiveness has a suite of programs and services that meet their diverse needs, from education and training to business loans and export assistance.

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<h1>Expert Trade Assistance for Small Businesses</h1>

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&nbsp;focuses on specific industry sectors:&nbsp;aerospace,&nbsp;clean technology,&nbsp;information and communication technology,&nbsp;forest products,&nbsp;life science/global health,&nbsp;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:

<ul>
	<li>Advocacy&nbsp;-&nbsp;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.</li>
	<li>Consulting&nbsp;-&nbsp;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.</li>
	<li>Export Voucher Program&nbsp;-&nbsp;Qualifying companies who are new to exports&nbsp;or entering new markets can get up to $5,000 to offset expenses through the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/business-loans/export-voucher-program/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Export Voucher Program</a>. 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.</li>
	<li>Risk Mitigation&nbsp;-&nbsp;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.</li>
	<li>Market Research&nbsp;-&nbsp;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.</li>
	<li>Trade Missions &amp; Trade Shows&nbsp;-&nbsp;Participating in a state-sponsored&nbsp;<a href="http://choosewashingtonstate.com/i-need-help-with/international-trade/trade-missions/" title="Trade Missions">trade mission</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://choosewashingtonstate.com/i-need-help-with/international-trade/trade-show-support/" title="Trade Show Support">trade show</a>&nbsp;can open doors that could never be opened if you went&nbsp;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.</li>
	<li>Business Matchmaking&nbsp;-&nbsp;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.</li>
	<li>Customized Programs &amp; Services&nbsp;-&nbsp;We will be happy to create a program or service that meets your business’ specific needs in terms of exporting and trade.</li>
</ul>

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Links to websites outside the U.S. Federal &amp; State Government Agencies are for the convenience of the user. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the&nbsp;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.

Washington State: Building Business Legends

Washington State Department of Commerce

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

Washington State Department of Commerce on Export Connect - Find Trade Experts and Resources

STEP Grant

COVID-19 Resources

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Seattle and Bellevue Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund

COVID-19 Business Recovery

Hundreds of businesses across the region are being negatively affected by the economic effects of COVID-19 as many businesses, including Amazon, have employees working from home. These businesses support thousands of local jobs. They’re our friends and ne

Washington State Department of Commerce

Seattle and Bellevue Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund

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