Export Readiness Program (HiSTEP-ERP)

Updated: January 7, 2021

The Export Readiness Program (HiSTEP-ERP) is a training and advising program to prepare Hawaii companies to begin or expand their export market development. The program includes one-on-one export business advising and export training seminars. HiSTEP-ERP is open to all types of businesses considering exporting. At the conclusion of the program, companies will have a go-to-market strategy and export plan. 

To participate in HiSTEP-ERP:

1. Complete the HiSTEP registration

Please be sure to check our Events page. When the updated information is posted, you can register for each seminar you would like to attend.

The following is a current list of confirmed and “save the date” seminars:

E-Commerce
January 20, 2021, 9:00AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h-W3YloTQG2Ozj_onnIUDA

E-Commerce is recognized as an important business consideration for growing overseas sales online and is more important than ever for Hawaii’s exporters. Developing an E-Commerce/digital strategy is necessary in order for companies to compete in cross-border online sales. Gain the latest information about e-commerce including developments in international electronic transactions, marketing, and shipping from experts in these fields.

Japanese Consumer Insight by Hankyu Hawaii Fair Organizers
January 20, 2021, 3:00 PM
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DD9wj353SOS5J-B1sJzluw
DBEDT is very pleased to announce this webinar about marketing and selling to Japanese consumers.

Speakers to be featured:

    • Akihiro Miyatake, general manager, Marketing
    • Sho Kusuda, manager, Hawaii Fair
    • Rina Inoue, team member, Hawaii Fair
    • Yuri Sawada, previous manager, Hawaii Fair

Topics to be covered include:

    • How Hankyu Umeda Department Store uses their World Fairs to engage with and sell to Japanese consumers.
    • What are preferences of women vs. men shoppers.
    • How to promote and sell art and products based on cultural designs.

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for Hawaii Companies
February 4, 2021, 9:00AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_snJV5RoaTue2JRLlf_3AXw

Hawaii companies often look to markets in Asia first when exporting. However, there are potentially easier markets to begin in, thanks to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (formerly NAFTA) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that provides for greatly simplified trading rules with Canada and Mexico. This seminar will provide details of the USMCA and offer some ideas of how Hawaii companies can take advantage of freer markets, fairer trade, and expanded growth.

Scaling Up Operations with Innovate Hawaii
February 17, 2021, 9:00AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QbTk4EQtTIe_hK6ALvM1-Q

As Hawaii companies expand into global markets, attention needs to be paid to meeting increased orders (manufacturing) and establishing procedures to service customers overseas. Learn what to do when your business receives a large order and needs to ramp up your production capabilities.

Export Financing for Hawaii Companies
March 16, 2021, 9:00AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zcTw_xDyTqOVWdUdNJ3okQ

Financing orders received from overseas customers can sometimes seem like a daunting task; however there is support available to Hawaii exporters. This seminar will provide details on resources such as EXIM Bank credit financing, SBA export financing, and microfinancing that are available in Hawaii.

Exporting to Japan for Hawaii Companies
April 15, 2021, 3:00PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hsuu4EivR0OOw00KbWnY5w

Japan is the top market for Hawaii exporters, due to longstanding cultural ties and our geographic location. Its sophisticated consumers with considerable purchasing power seek high-quality, trend setting, innovative products and services from Hawaii. This seminar will provide insights to doing business in Japan, as well as introduce attendees to key people and organizations that are excellent resources for Hawaii companies interested in exporting products and services to Japan.

Exporting to Taiwan for Hawaii Companies
May 6, 2021, 3:00PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nmTYD0wwQr-MmHXqEYD4tg

Taiwan has been growing as an export market for Hawaii companies and the number of tourists from Taiwan visiting the islands is also increasing annually. As a wealthy island nation with a developing beach and surf culture, Taiwan is an attractive export market for Hawaii companies. The ease of doing business in Taiwan is often ranked as one of the easiest in the world and our local companies can take advantage of the geography and longstanding cultural ties. This seminar will introduce attendees to Taiwan topics, as well as introduce key people and organizations that can help when exporting to Taiwan.

Product Development for Hawaii Exporters
June 3, 2021, 9:00AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zvuXTLUURg2Fs0zD0a8jmQ

Developing products that will sell well in a particular market is not an easy task, particularly when exporting to foreign markets with different cultures, languages, and expectations. However, there some people and companies that know their target market segments so well that they can develop products with near certain success. This seminar will introduce product development experts and provide insights into what our Hawaii companies should consider when developing new products for sale in foreign markets.

Digital Marketing for Hawaii Exporters
July 8, 2021, 9:00AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_clA4gV57RB2CXRreV5od5A

With travel constraints and more people online every day, developing strategies for digital marketing and social media platforms are more important than ever before. Hawaii’s natural beauty and culture provide for some of the world’s best images for products and services. This seminar will provide attendees with the latest trends and state-of-the-art best practices in international digital marketing and social media messaging.

Virtual Trade Shows for Hawaii Exporters
August 5, 2021, 9:00AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5NgsrHL8RQ-fj8tmGKk4yg

Travel restrictions and concerns about safety have prevented traditional in-person trade shows from occurring. Increasingly, Hawaii companies are attending virtual trade shows in order to market their products and services in foreign markets. This seminar will address the most recent trends in virtual trade shows and provides some insights as to how companies can maximize their investment in attending virtual trade shows.

2. Subscribe to our email list to stay informed about upcoming seminars

 

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Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business AdministrationDBEDT and SBA Logos