World Trade Center Utah awarded SBA grant designed to grow exports

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the state of Utah $525,000 through its State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), will administer the grant to help boost the state’s export economy by empowering businesses to reach new international markets.

“We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with World Trade Center Utah with a $525,000 STEP grant award to assist their efforts in helping local businesses expand their reach into global markets,” said Marla Trollan, SBA Utah director. “Our collaborative efforts have proven invaluable in helping Utah entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of exporting. Another round of STEP grant funding will continue to enhance these initiatives, providing even more opportunities for growth and success. Together, the SBA Utah District Office and World Trade Center Utah are committed to empowering local businesses to thrive on the international stage.”

STEP funding can be used in various activities, including attending international trade shows and missions, designing marketing materials for foreign audiences, accessing U.S. Department of Commerce services, covering travel expenses for global sales trips and participating in export training workshops.

“The STEP grant has proven to be a game-changer for Utah businesses,” said Jonathan Freedman, WTC Utah president and CEO. “We’ve seen companies leverage this funding to attend international trade shows and forge partnerships that have led to successful market launches abroad. This continued support from the SBA not only expands our reach but also provides Utah companies with the resources they need to thrive globally. Our collaboration with GOEO creates a powerful platform for growth and innovation, further cementing Utah’s position as a leader in international trade.”

Cedar City-based Staheli West utilized STEP funds to participate in Australia’s Fodder Festival, where they unveiled their state-of-the-art hay baling technology, the 632 Dewpoint. The company made significant strides, engaging with over 60 potential customers, conducting a training session and building partnerships with key distributors. This STEP-supported initiative enabled Staheli West to showcase its innovative products and create valuable connections, further strengthening its position in the Australian agricultural market.

Kay Kare, a women-owned, Salt Lake City-based company, used STEP funding to attend the Global Health Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

“There is definite interest in Saudi Arabia for our products, and we have a choice of distributors. We have companies that wish to collaborate with us in making improvements in our products,” said Kahkashan Leckman, president and CEO of Kay Kare.

The funding helped them solidify key contacts, finalize regulatory processes and prepare for distribution within the kingdom. The company now anticipates expanding its reach to other Gulf countries and Türkiye to capitalize on the partnerships they formed.

The grant application process is now open to Utah companies. Details are at wtcutah.com/grants.