How the SBA STEP Grant sparked game-changing partnerships for Drift
As the Drift team packed up their bags to head home from the ISPO Munich 2022 trade show, they couldn't help but feel exhilarated by the potential deals and partnerships they had forged. With the help of the SBA STEP grant, Drift traveled across the world to meet with companies face-to-face, leading to incredible results.
Drift was founded by a group of outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for snowboarding and wanted to create an innovative and sustainable product. Their mission was to make products that work better and last longer while leaving a smaller environmental footprint. Their Carbon Drift Board, one of the company's flagship products, is a unique snowboard designed for uphill performance. More efficient than snowshoes while being lighter and more agile than skis, the board has minimal binding, is fast to transition, fits perfectly in a skin track, and is compatible with various binding options. A typical snowboard designed for downhill riding is heavier and much more expensive.
To increase their exposure in the European market, Drift attended ISPO 2022, one of the largest snowboarding trade shows in the world and exhibited in the Utah Booth. Thanks to the support of the SBA STEP Grant, they were able to attend the event alongside other Utah businesses. Their goal was to make connections and partnerships in the snowboarding industry. "We're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of snowboarding,” says David Rupp, CEO of Drift. “We're grateful for the support of the SBA and other organizations that help make it all possible."
At the event, Drift met with a large brand in the industry that was impressed with their product. The conversation went well, and soon, they were discussing a collaboration that was the breakthrough they had been hoping for. They were excited about the opportunities that this trip to Munich had brought them and looked forward to growing their connections with snow-sport enthusiasts across Europe. Drift's attendance at ISPO proved to be a resounding success. They were able to find a partner to help them make and sell 1500 units over the next two years.
A rental shop in Belgium even tested out Drift boards in Alpbach, Austria, leading to plans to rent them out as an alternative to traditional snowboards. However, their biggest win came from meetings with Bataleon, a snowboard company that wanted to co-brand and distribute Drift's products through their sales channels. With the potential to sell over 800 units, this deal was a game-changer.
This partnership with a well-established snowboard dealer with distribution throughout Europe was a massive boost to Drift's business. They attended the shop's three-day on-snow demo, with buyers from multiple countries for the snowboard market. They even visited snowboard shops around Austria to explore the potential for backcountry snowboarding.
Drift's success at ISPO 2022 is a testament to their innovative products, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to building strong partnerships in the snowboarding industry. They learned the importance of being at events like ISPO and the value of face-to-face conversations in building business relationships. They gained valuable insights into how the market differs in Europe, allowing them to adjust their marketing and sales strategies accordingly.
If you're a small business looking to make a similar leap in the international market, consider the SBA STEP grant to help fund your venture. With hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, you could experience the same kind of success that Drift did at ISPO 2022. To learn more about SBA STEP grant opportunities and how WTC Utah can help your business grow please visit www.wtcutah.com/grants.
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