WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
More recently , the STEP program helped fund a virtual tour of our company for the PNAA conference ( as well as providing some funds for us to attend that event ). And we are also seeing the benefit of this program for outreach to Canadian markets for our export business .
These activities being quite recent , can you give us a sense of the impact they might have had already or will have for your company in the future ?
Participation and the increased visibility from our virtual tour have helped us engage with a major aerospace OEM . I believe that as we continue to develop our content and SEO on the website , we will be able to find pre-qualified leads that give us the best chance of developing new business . Particularly in the COVID-era environment , that is an extremely valuable marketing asset .
I understand many companies are wary of applying for grants because of the perception that it is a cumbersome process . You went through three STEP applications . What was your experience ?
I found the STEP grant application process to be quite easy , especially if you have a clear sense of your objective and can demonstrate some tangible benefit downstream . The team from Commerce is extremely helpful and responsive .
AccraFab is a well-diversified business . Can you share your vision on your strategy to expand your international clientele ? Why is it a key component of your success and what advice would you give to a business that has never exported ?
I think the first step is assessing your company ’ s strengths and knowing the business dynamics of the particular export market you have targeted . That allows you to have a clear strategy moving forward . Get help from agencies like Commerce , who can provide expert consultants as well as funding . Input from “ boots on the ground ” advisors can be invaluable . And focus your efforts on a regional and / or market basis to get the best return .
To find out more about ACCRAFAB ’ s capabilities , please visit :
https :// accrafab . com / Or contact : Mark Norton , senior manager , business development mnorton @ accrafab . com Cell : 509-954-8781
To learn more about the STEP Program , please visit :
http :// bit . ly / export-vouchers Or contact : Amandine Crabtree , aerospace international trade specialist amandine . crabtree @ commerce . wa . gov Cell : 206-485-8541
50 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS