Business Development and Support Division

HiSTEP – Export Readiness Program (HiSTEP-ERP)

As part of the HiSTEP platform, DBEDT is offering the Export Readiness Program (HiSTEP – ERP), which are training programs with the goal of preparing Hawaii companies to begin or expand their export market development.

Export University is an introductory program covering key export topics and open to all types of businesses considering exporting. Participants receive a minimum of 16 hours of instruction over the course of several days. At the conclusion of the program, companies have a go-to-market strategy and export plan. The application deadline is March 15, 2016. Program fee payable by the first session is $99.

The Export University application is available online.

ExporTech is designed for companies that have some experience with exporting, but not as part of a proactive export market development plan. ExporTech is organized by the Federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership and focuses mostly, but not exclusively, on businesses involved in manufacturing. Participants meet for one day each month over a three month period with assignments in between the one day sessions. The application deadline is February 15, 2016. Program fee payable by the first session is $295.*

The ExporTech™ Readiness Survey and ExporTech 2016 Flyer are available for download.

*Note: This program is offered in other states usually at $2,500 – $3,000 of its $5,000 value. This year this program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.