Linked:Seattle organizes the first Global Small Business Assistance Network Reception in collaboration with Washington States’ Department of Commerce and event sponsors. 

If you have a small business in Washington, there’s good news!  Your state’s Department of Commerce is introducing several Federally-funded programs to help you get access to the markets and capital you need to grow.  Learn how you can take part in Washington’s $50 billion+ export business and access new financing to grow. 

The opportunity: 95% of the businesses in Washington State are small businesses.  Many of them struggle to get larger because they have difficulty finding capital or expanding into international sales through exporting.  In fact only 4% of Washington’s companies are doing business in overseas markets, which represent 95% of the world’s consumers and 75% of global purchasing power.  

The programs: At this first-ever event, the Department of Commerce will launch two new programs to facilitate small business success in Washington:

·      State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program:  STEP can provide you with the resources you need to successfully export your products or services, from information and marketing/sales assistance to logistics, funding and support.  There's even a voucher program to help fund your international expansion. 

·      Washington Small Business Credit Initiative:  The Initiative is expected to drive significant new financing opportunities to Washington small businesses through 2016.  

In addition, sponsors providing financial, logistical and other services will be on-hand and ready to consult with you about your specific business needs.

Schedule

• 12:00 pm         Event opens; pick up your personalized name tag
• 12:15pm          Program Starts
• 1:00-2pm         General Small Business Networking

Free appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages provided by the Space Needle.  Check for event updates including VIP attendees!

Sponsors