Navigating Global Markets: Explore Wyoming’s Small Business Exporting Resources

May is known as the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) World Trade Month, so it is the perfect time to determine if exporting could be right for your small business. Expanding into international markets can be a game-changer for small businesses, offering new avenues for growth and diversification. In Wyoming, entrepreneurs have access to a wealth of resources to facilitate and support their exporting endeavors.

1. Your Wyoming SBDC Network advisor can help you determine if your small business is export-ready. Our entire advising staff will have completed their Export and Trade Counseling Certificate by June 30, 2024, and can provide one-on-one confidential advising to help you find the right International market for your product or even help you decide if exporting is right for your business. 
2. The State of Wyoming has State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant funds for international marketing events occurring through September 29, 2024. STEP is funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and is administered by the Wyoming Business Council (WBC). The goals of STEP are to increase the number of small businesses that export, increase the value of exports, and increase the number of small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. Participants must meet SBA eligibility requirements and be based in Wyoming to participate in STEP-funded programs (Wyoming Business Council). Your Wyoming SBDC Network advisor can help you find out more about this opportunity. 
3. The U.S. Commercial Service is a wealth of information for Wyoming-based small business owners. The U.S. Commercial Service provides a range of services tailored to exporters, including market intelligence reports, matchmaking services with foreign buyers, and advocacy support to resolve trade barriers. By leveraging the expertise and global network of the U.S. Commercial Service, Wyoming businesses can access invaluable market insights and connect with potential partners worldwide.

Wyoming’s small business exporting resources provide a robust foundation for entrepreneurs looking to expand their horizons beyond domestic borders. By tapping into the expertise and support offered by programs such as the STEP Program and the U.S. Commercial Service, Wyoming businesses can unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and establish themselves as competitive players in the global marketplace, particularly during the commemoration of SBA’s World Trade Month.

For even more information on exporting, you can review national resources and guidance from the SBA in this article, “Consider Taking Your Small Business Global This World Trade Month.” Then be sure to connect with your Wyoming SBDC Network advisor for help with the next steps as you consider exporting in your small business.

About the Author: Maureen Johnson lived in Wyoming for over nine years and is incredibly grateful to be able to assist the tenacious small business owners who make this state great. When she is not spreading the word about the Wyoming SBDC Network, you can find Maureen spending time with her family, quilting, knitting, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.