World Trade Center Utah Awarded $525,000 SBA Grant to Boost Small Business Export Growth
Funding available to Utah businesses through Sept. 2025
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 1, 2024) — 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.
More than 18,000 U.S. small businesses have benefited from SBA STEP grant funding since its inception, generating $6.8 billion in exports. This grant program plays a crucial role for Utah businesses, enabling them to enter new markets, boost export sales, and enhance their global visibility in over 100 countries.
“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,” shared 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 SBA’s STEP grant continues to be a driving force in helping Utah companies overcome the challenges of exporting, enabling them to reach new customers, increase sales, and contribute to the state’s vibrant global trade economy.
Utah companies have leveraged these funds to participate in trade missions and shows across continents, including Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and various other regions. WTC Utah not only offers financial support through STEP but also provides guidance and resources to help Utah’s small businesses navigate the complexities of international trade and succeed abroad.
The grant application is now open to Utah companies. Visit wtcutah.com/grants to learn more. For inquiries regarding eligibility or accepted activities, contact Anna Maidon at grants@wtcutah.com.
ABOUT WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH
World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is a private, nonprofit organization that accelerates growth for Utah companies through global networks, programs, and services. WTC Utah administers the SBA's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funding for Utah. Recognized with the 2021 President’s “E” Award for Export Service, WTC Utah has helped companies throughout the state actualize their global potential since 2007. For more information, visit wtcutah.com or follow @WTCUtah on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
