Export Assistance

Washington State is one of the country’s major export hubs, exporting nearly $80 billion in goods annually. The Department of Commerce offers businesses an experienced trade team that provides a range of support services, including advocacy, consulting, risk mitigation, market research, trade missions and trade show support, business matchmaking and custom programs, all designed to help Washington companies open doors to trade overseas and increase sales.

The Export Assistance Team within Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness has helped businesses statewide expand into trade or increase their exports and sales overseas. Over the last four years, the OEDC has assisted 5,296 small businesses, generating an additional $705.5 million in additional sales to international customers.

Programs

STEP Export Voucher Program

The Washington State Department of Commerce STEP Export Voucher program awards cash reimbursements for small businesses to help offset expenses of expanding international sales. Eligible […]

Build My Export Plan

The first step to successfully exporting is to develop a written plan. The process of thinking through the important questions highlighted below can help you […]

Industry Trade Shows

Trade shows expand your business Gain exposure to new global markets. Washington State competes with the other 49 states in the U.S. for new business […]

International Trade Missions

Trade missions are a critical tool for marketing the state. As much as technology has changed the way business is conducted, many cultures still require […]

Services

• Advocacy: If you run into any roadblocks with your exports, our trade experts can help you convey the importance of exporting and international trade and help you overcome any obstacles along the way, such as problems with shipping documentation, customs, logistics, visas, etc.
• Consulting: We can help you create an exporting plan, clarify international trade law issues, find an interpreter, and introduce you to foreign representatives and buyers to generate new international sales.
• Risk Mitigation: Entering a new market, even for an experienced exporter, can be complex. Our Export Finance Assistance Center can help you research your trading partners and customers to ensure they are credit worthy and sort out currency exchange and payment terms and issues.
• Market Research: Want to expand into a new market with exports but not sure whether it makes sense or not? We can help you analyze markets so that you can develop and execute your exports plan with complete confidence.
• Financing: Our team can assist you identifying financing options and connect you with potential state, federal and private resources.
• Business Matchmaking: No need to spend endless hours and fruitless phone calls trying to reach the right person for your exports. Our trade experts conduct numerous business matchmaking opportunities, whether as part of a state trade mission or trade show, pre-requested buyer introduction, or an inbound visit by a foreign trade delegation or organization.

Resources

Export assistance staff

• Isabelle De Wulf, Managing Director 206-256-6143

International trade specialists

• Joanna Boatwright, aerospace 206-256-6137
• Karl Dahlgren, life science/global health 206-256-6132
• Tammy Deets, clean technology, advanced manufacturing and maritime 206-256-6154
• Julie Monahan, information and communication technology 206-256-6147

STEP export voucher program

• Nicole Gunkle, consumer goods and professional services/STEP program manager 206-256-6131
• Callum Cleary, STEP program coordinator 206-256-6145

International representation

The Small Business Export Assistance team global network includes partnerships in about two dozen key markets across the globe. Working with our trade and business development team, we’re raising Washington state’s profile and helping small businesses expand exports into new markets with these global partners.

Internships

The Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness office in downtown Seattle recruits volunteer interns on an ongoing basis. We ask that interns volunteer 10-20 hours per week, for a minimum term of three months.

Ideal candidates will be in their junior or senior year in college with a 3.3 GPA or higher, or have recently completed their degree, or be enrolled in a Master’s degree program.

In general, we look for responsible, reliable candidates who can work independently and have a genuine interest in international affairs, economic development, investment and trade. We value research and writing skills, Microsoft Office suite proficiency, critical thinking, foreign language capabilities, and diversity. 

• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail
• Experience organizing events
• Writing experience, especially on a newspaper or newsletter
• Database, Excel, PowerPoint proficiency

Examples of duties/projects include:

• Assisting with Business Development activities and events
• Researching industries, business trends, incentives, investment statistics, workforce data
• Writing briefs and other content
• PowerPoint presentations, and related research
• Assisting on specific projects
• Quality control

Past interns have gone on to work with consulting firms, economic development agencies and international organizations.

To apply, please fill out the application form and press send. Then separately, email your cover letter and resume to Intern@Commerce.wa.gov.