Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program (HiSTEP)

Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program, known as HiSTEP, is a comprehensive program designed to assist Hawaii small businesses with their export development. The goal is to increase the number of small businesses that want to export as well as the value of exports for those small businesses that currently export. Today it is easier than ever for companies, regardless of size, to sell goods and services across the globe and this program can help achieve that.

HiSTEP has three integrated components:

• Export Readiness Program (HiSTEP-ERP)
• Hawaii Pavilions (HiSTEP-HP)
• Company Assistance (HiSTEP-CA)

 

HiSTEP Eligibility

Businesses must meet the following requirements to participate in HiSTEP:

• Meet the federal requirements of an Eligible Small Business Concern:
  • Organized or incorporated and operating in the U.S.
  • Meets SBA small business size standards
  • One year in business
  • Has access to sufficient resources to bear the costs associated with trade
• Must be an export-ready U.S. company seeking to export goods or services of U.S. origin or that has at least 51% U.S. content
• Certify that your company is not barred from receiving federal funds
• Be registered in good standing with the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Business Registration Division at vendors.ehawaii.gov
• Have a current general excise tax license with the State Department of Taxation

 

Companies wishing to participate in the Hawaii STEP grant should email Jamie Lumm at jamie.k.lum@hawaii.gov or call (808) 587-2753.