WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
As the pandemic continues to disrupt economies and supply chains worldwide , Commerce has adapted the STEP program to meet the evolving needs of businesses interested in expanding their reach . Small businesses have been using the STEP program to participate in virtual B2B matchmaking and virtual trade shows , update their websites and SEO for an international audience , build e-commerce capabilities into their sites that accept international currencies and create and translate marketing materials and media for international buyers .
In addition to the STEP program , Commerce also has a team of international consultants in key markets around the world to support small business entry and expansion . A new representative was added this year for the Australia and New Zealand markets .
With the recent creation of the Australian Space Agency , this is an excellent time for aerospace companies to enter this new market .
“ The team at Washington State Commerce has been a key partner for our manufacturing business ,” said Mark Norton , senior manager - business development , AccraFab , Inc . “ Their grants , consultants , and internal expertise are tools that every business in our state should be leveraging . Especially in a COVID economy where internal resources are constrained , Commerce provides a great ROI for our tax dollars .”
The Washington State Department of Commerce will also be attending upcoming trade shows in person . Companies will be able to participate as part of the Washington delegation , accessing our global consultant network and using a STEP voucher to finance some of their participation costs .
PNAA Aerospace Conference : Seattle , WA – February 7-10 , 2022 JEC World : Paris , France – March 8-10 , 2022 ADSS : Seattle , WA – April 11-13 , 2022 AIX Hamburg : Hamburg , Germany – June 14-16 , 2022 Farnborough : London , UK – July 18 – 22 , 2022
DECEMBER 2021 | JANUARY 2022 ISSUE NO . 24 37