DSLBD launches ExportDC

Harold B. Pettigrew Jr. Director, Department of Small and Local Business Development

The ExportDC program is a new initiative launched by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) designed to increase the number of DC small businesses that export, grow the dollar value of exports from District businesses, and coordinate trade missions for qualified District-based businesses.

The ExportDC program is funded by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) through the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant, a three-year pilot program launched by the President’s Small Business Jobs Act.

How can my business participate?

To be eligible for ExportDC, participants must:

1. Have a principal office and business registration in the District of Columbia;
2. Meet the SBA small business size standard(s) for the firm’s industry classification;
3. Be currently exporting, and/or have the capacity to export to new international markets; and,
4. Sell a product and/or service that is export ready

If your business does not meet all of the eligibility requirements, contact DSLBD at dslbd@dc.gov for a referral to additional SBA partner resources or to learn your next steps to become an ExportDC client.

How can I learn more?

1. RSVP to april.redmon@trade.gov for a networking event being hosted by the Virginia/Washington, D.C. Export Council and being held January 18th, 2012 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Rotunda Room of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (directions to the Rotunda Room of the Reagan Building in ‘Related Documents’)
2. Visit the SBA’s STEP program Website
3. Assess and strengthen your business’ export readiness by visiting the ‘Related Services’ listed to the right; and
4. Contact DSLBD at dslbd@dc.gov or (202) 727-3900.