Company Assistance (HiSTEP-CA)

The Hawaii State Trade Expansion Program – Company Assistance (HiSTEP–CA) is designed to increase exports of Hawaii produced goods and services by assisting individual Hawaii companies with export market development activities such as participation in trade shows and missions.

HiSTEP is supported by a grant through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 4:00 P.M., HST.

Funding for HiSTEP-Company Assistance is divided into two categories:

New to Export (NTE) Company: Company has no export experience, or has an ‘accidental’ or ‘occasional’ export, or has not exported in over 18 months.
Market Expansion (ME) Company: Company is an active or recent (within the last 18 months) exporter that is expanding into a new country market, OR expanding into a new region or new population target segment or new product line within an existing market. Companies in this category should have at least $200,000 in annual revenue. If you do not meet this requirement you should download and review the New to Export RFP (see below).

We have upgraded to a new online application format, so please follow these steps:

Step 1. All companies applying for Company Assistance must first complete the 2024 HiSTEP Registration form.

Step 2. If you are a NTE company: Download and review the Request For Proposal (RFP) for 2024 HiSTEP-CA New to Export and any addenda to become familiar with the requirements, and how you will submit your application and required forms.

If you are a ME company: Download and review the Request For Proposal (RFP) for 2024 HiSTEP-CA Market Expansion and any addenda to become familiar with the requirements, and how you will submit your application and required forms.

Step 3. Review the online submission form to understand what sections of the RFP you must download, complete and upload. Note: NTE and ME companies will use the same online submission form.

Step 4. Prepare EXPORT PLAN (SECTION FOUR, Part C of the RFP) and EXPORT BUDGET (SECTION FOUR, Part D of the RFP) and upload in appropriate section.

Step 5. Download the APPLICANT FORM, AF-1, from the Online Form in APPLICATION PREPARATION section.

Step 6. Fill out the online submission form, upload the completed documents from Steps 4 and 5, and submit the form. You will see a confirmation page if you are successful.

Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

You should also review the How to Prepare page so you can prepare your business for exporting.

Mahalo for your participation!

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