Export Readiness Program (HiSTEP-ERP)
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.
The following is the current list of seminars scheduled for the 2023 HiSTEP Program:
2023 HiSTEP Kick-off Seminars
DBEDT HiSTEP Kick Off 2023 Presentation
Hawaiʻi Island: Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 10:00 AM
Registration: Zoom #1, Hawaiʻi Island
2023 HiSTEP Kick-Off Video-Hawaii Island
Maui: Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 2:00 PM
Registration: Zoom #2, Maui
2023 HiSTEP Kick-Off Video-Maui
Oʻahu: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 10:00 AM
Registration: Zoom #3, Oahu
2023 HiSTEP Kick-Off Video-Oahu
Kauaʻi: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 2:00 PM
Registration: Zoom #4, Kauaʻi
2023 HiSTEP Kick-Off Video-Kauai
The HiSTEP program has three key components that you will learn about in the seminar:
- Export Readiness Program – training and consulting to help you begin or expand your export market development plans.
- Hawai‘i Pavilions – support at major trade shows such as the Tokyo International Gift Show
- Company Assistance – awards of up to $5,000 for new-to-export companies and up to $15,000 for market expansion companies.
This year four HiSTEP 2023 kick-off sessions will be held, each with a different island/county emphasis.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOWS
Thursday, March 2, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM HST
Hybrid meeting: In-person venue and virtual. Please register for one only.
- In-Person Venue: Foreign Trade Zone No. 9, Homer Maxey International Trade Center Conference Room, 521 Ala Moana Blvd.
- Please register here: International Trade Shows-In Person
- Virtual registration: For more information and to register virtually: International Trade Shows-Virtual
International Trade Shows are being held in-person again now that the global pandemic is waning. There is a great deal of pent-up demand to meet face-to-face and display products and services available for sale. Several international trade show subsidized pavilions with Hawaii branding are being organized by DBEDT and HDOA with HiSTEP support. If you are planning to join in one of the Hawaii pavilions or if you are going to attend any other international trade show–with or without HiSTEP support–this event will teach you some things to consider that can save you time and money. We will also discuss basic booth etiquette and cultural issues, which can be quite different than attending a trade show in Hawaii or on the mainland.
LEGAL, CONTRACTS, and INTELLECTUAL PROPERY PROTECTION for EXPORTERS
Thursday, March 30, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM HST
Hybrid meeting: In-person venue and virtual. Please register for one only.
- In-Person Venue: Foreign Trade Zone No. 9, Homer Maxey International Trade Center Conference Room, 521 Ala Moana Blvd.
- Please register here: Legal, Contracts, and Intellectual Property Protection for Exporters-In Person
- Virtual registration: For more information and to register virtually: Legal, Contracts, and Intellectual Property Protection for Exporters-Virtual
Learn about key legal considerations as you engage your business with new partners or overseas markets. Topics covered may include: contracts, export documentation, export licenses, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), protecting intellectual property, and regulations.
EXPORTING to VIETNAM
Thursday, April 27, 2023, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM HST
Hybrid meeting: In-person venue and virtual. Please register for one only.
- In-Person Venue: Foreign Trade Zone No. 9, Homer Maxey International Trade Center Conference Room, 521 Ala Moana Blvd. Please register here: Exporting to Vietnam
- Virtual registration: For more information and to register virtually: Exporting to Vietnam
Vietnam is a rapidly developing market and US exports to Vietnam are increasing annually across all sectors, including products, services, and agriculture. Learn from experts on the Vietnam market regarding marketing, logistics, and how to utilize key resources such as the US Commercial Service.
WORKING with the U.S. COMMERICAL SERVICE and AMCHAMS to INCREASE EXPORTS
Thursday, May 25, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM HST
Hybrid meeting: In-person venue and virtual. Please register for one only.
- In-Person Venue: Foreign Trade Zone No. 9, Homer Maxey International Trade Center Conference Room, 521 Ala Moana Blvd. Please register here: Working with the U.S. Commerical Service and AmChams to Increase Exports
- Virtual registration: For more information and to register virtually: Working with the U.S. Commercial Service and AmChams to Increase Exports
American companies have two fantastic assets at their disposal when exporting: the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS). Nearly every country has an AmCham comprised of local members who are experienced in the market, and there are USCS officers at U.S. embassies and consulates who are able to assist in finding distributors and potential customers. Join us to learn more about international AmChams and how to access USCS officers around the world.
Please check back later for upcoming 2023 HiSTEP Sessions as we prepare for 2023.
Next Page: Hawaii Pavilions (HiSTEP-HP) >
Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration
