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X-WR-CALNAME:California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://export.business.ca.gov
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240407
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260413
DTSTAMP:20260404T090422
CREATED:20250313T200743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T162514Z
UID:246317-1712448000-1776038399@export.business.ca.gov
SUMMARY:Chile FIDAE
DESCRIPTION:FIDAE provides significant sales opportunities for California businesses seeking to enter the Chilean aerospace and defense market. Join the California Pavilion at the 2026 FIDAE Airshow! The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) invites interested California small businesses to exhibit under the California Pavilion within the USA Pavilion at Airshow. California small businesses that qualify are eligible to participate at a significantly reduced cost. \nFIDAE brings together all organizations involved in Chile’s National Space System. This is a multi-sectoral trade show covering: Civil & Commercial Aviation\, Defense\, Airport Equipment & Services\, Homeland Security\, Aircraft Maintenance & Space Technology\, RPAS/UAV & Cybersecurity. \nThe California STEP Program will support up four STEP eligible California small businesses to participate in the Pavilion. Review the flyer to learn more. \nContact for the STEP program/California Pavilion: Diana Dominguez\nContact for the Exhibitor Registration: Kevin Tighe \n 
URL:https://export.business.ca.gov/event/chile-fidae/
LOCATION:Santiago\, Chile
CATEGORIES:Aerospace and Defense
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270101
DTSTAMP:20260404T090422
CREATED:20250918T211924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T211924Z
UID:247017-1767225600-1798761599@export.business.ca.gov
SUMMARY:Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Export Training
DESCRIPTION:GO-Biz invites California business owners interested in participating in the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Export Training. \n  \nThe CGBP designation encompasses knowledge in Global Business Management\, Global Marketing\, Supply Chain Management\, Trade Finance\, Legal and Regulatory Compliance\, Intercultural Awareness\, Technology and Trade-related Resources. \n  \nSelect “2025 Certified Global Business Professional Export Training”
URL:https://export.business.ca.gov/event/certified-global-business-professional-cgbp-export-training/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:STEP Export Training
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTSTAMP:20260404T090422
CREATED:20250107T194237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T204750Z
UID:246186-1769385600-1780185599@export.business.ca.gov
SUMMARY:Safety and Security in Canada Export Training
DESCRIPTION:The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)\, in partnership with Channel Architect\, invites California small businesses in the safety and security sector to participate in a virtual export training program. This initiative includes in-depth sessions and confidential one-on-one “Know Before You Go” consultations to help companies prepare for major sales opportunities in the Canadian market. Training will be delivered between October 2025 and January 2026. \nOn September 5\, 2025\, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has joined the Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact—a cross-border alliance of U.S. states\, Canadian provinces\, and territories that collaborate to share resources\, expertise\, and personnel in combating large-scale wildfires. With Canadian partners such as Alberta\, British Columbia\, Saskatchewan\, and Yukon already in the Compact\, California’s membership strengthens continental cooperation and opens doors for California companies to expand their reach. This partnership not only advances public safety but also creates new business opportunities for California firms providing firefighting equipment\, technology\, and forest resilience services in Canadian markets. \nCost\nParticipation is $500 per company. \nMarket Opportunity\nCanada’s government agencies and industries are seeking proven safety and security solutions for emergency preparedness\, mitigation\, response\, and recovery (EP&R)\, particularly those that: \n\nMitigate risks from climate-driven natural disasters\nStrengthen resilience against natural and civil emergencies\nProtect critical supply chains and logistics\nSafeguard essential infrastructure sectors such as food\, energy\, and water\nReinforce public institutions’ preparedness\n\nWho Should Participate\nExecutives and business development leaders offering solutions to these challenges. \nProgram Overview\nThe training includes live virtual modules\, supporting materials\, and recorded content available on-demand. Each participating company will also receive dedicated one-on-one consultations with Tom Hanson\, founder and Global Trade Advisor for Channel Architect. \nPart One: Training & Education \n\nOperating in Canada (company structure\, partnerships)\nUnderstanding Canada’s business climate\nIdentifying public procurement opportunities\nParticipating in tabletop disaster simulations\nNavigating government regulations\, standards\, and incentives\nReviewing industrial standards across energy\, transportation\, and manufacturing\nGaining awareness of First Nations/Indigenous and rural/remote issues\nIdentifying leading private-sector partners\n\nPart Two: Export Market Readiness \n\nAssessing your current export roadmap\nRefining unique value propositions and selling solutions\nDeveloping an export readiness checklist\nPreparing for meetings with Canadian buyers and partners\, organized by the U.S. Commercial Service\nPrioritizing key trade events\, conferences\, and industry days\n\nEligibility Requirements\nCompanies must: \n\nBe a for-profit entity with significant California operations\nMeet SBA small business size standards\nHave been in operation at least one year\nBe organized/incorporated in the U.S. or have goods/services with at least 51% U.S. content\nBe registered to do business in California\nHave export-ready products or services\n\nAbout Channel Architect\nFounded by Tom Hanson\, Channel Architect LLC is a certified small business with over 30 years of expertise guiding companies and governments to success in global markets. Tom is a former U.S. Commercial Officer with the Foreign Commercial Service\, where he served in international postings across the Americas and Europe\, advancing U.S. business competitiveness through export promotion\, investment attraction\, and trade advocacy. Fluent in Spanish\, Portuguese\, and Romanian\, he has also worked extensively on North America’s trilateral trade policies. Channel Architect specializes in market entry strategies\, global sales partnerships\, and trade event facilitation—helping businesses expand internationally with confidence. \n  \nClick HERE to download our flyer. \n  \nRegister Your Interest to Participate HERE. Submitting an application does not commit you to participation. Once received\, we will follow up to discuss your company’s interests.
URL:https://export.business.ca.gov/event/safety-and-security-in-canada-export-training/
LOCATION:Canada virtual
CATEGORIES:STEP Export Training
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTSTAMP:20260404T090422
CREATED:20250107T193801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T165208Z
UID:246181-1769904000-1774915199@export.business.ca.gov
SUMMARY:Safety and Security in Australia Export Training
DESCRIPTION:The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) invites California small businesses to register their interest in export training targeting the safety and security (with a primary focus on emergency preparedness\, mitigation\, response and recovery solutions). \nDownload Flyer to Learn More. \nRegister Your Interest to Participate HERE.
URL:https://export.business.ca.gov/event/safety-and-security-in-australia-export-training/
LOCATION:Australia virtual
CATEGORIES:STEP Export Training
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260219
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260508
DTSTAMP:20260404T090422
CREATED:20250304T181232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T173412Z
UID:246289-1771459200-1778198399@export.business.ca.gov
SUMMARY:Agricultural Technology Export Training
DESCRIPTION:OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM \nIn partnership with California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development\, Zurcom International (an African-based trade facilitation and market entry specialist) is hosting a specialized Export Training Program designed exclusively for California-based agricultural technology (agtech) exporters. This series spans twelve sessions and provides an in-depth\, practical guide to navigating export opportunities in South Africa and broader African markets. Participants will engage with experts\, government officials\, and industry leaders across trade\, legal\, logistics\, standards\, and market access stakeholders. \nAdditionally\, participating firms will receive one-on-one coaching from market specialists. Following the successful completion of the program\, participants will also receive virtual bespoke meetings with interested\, qualified South African-based firms. These have a direct interest in the specific California-based agtech solutions. \nWHY AGRITECH COMPANIES SHOULD PARTICIPATE \nSouth Africa represents one of the most promising and dynamic frontiers for agtech expansion. With a well-established yet evolving agricultural sector\, a growing digital transformation in farming\, and supportive government policies\, the country offers a compelling landscape for U.S. companies\, particularly those based in California\, to innovate\, partner\, and grow. \nSouth Africa is Africa’s most advanced agricultural economy\, contributing over 2.5% to national GDP and supporting millions of jobs. The country’s diverse climate and geography allow for the production of a wide range of crops\, including: \n\nCereals and grains: Maize and wheat are staple crops\, with strong demand for yield-enhancing and climate-resilient technologies.\nHigh-value horticulture: Citrus fruits\, grapes\, avocados\, and nuts (notably macadamias and pecans) are key export commodities.\nVegetables and sugarcane: Major domestic consumption and export categories.\n\nThis diversity creates wide-ranging opportunities for smart irrigation\, precision agriculture\, pest control\, drone-based crop monitoring\, and data-driven decision-making tools. \nThe South African government has prioritized digital agriculture and innovation as part of its broader national development goals. Through the Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and incentives under agencies like the Department of Science and Innovation and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)\, agtech is seen as central to driving both food security and economic transformation. \nSouth Africa’s agtech sector is still in a growth phase\, making it an attractive market for early movers. There is a strong demand for localized innovations\, particularly those tailored to smallholder farmers who make up a large portion of the agricultural workforce. Additionally\, large commercial farms—many of which are export-oriented—are actively seeking cutting-edge solutions to boost productivity\, sustainability\, and climate resilience. \nCalifornia agtech firms bring globally competitive expertise in precision farming\, robotics\, water-saving technologies\, and AI-powered crop analytics—solutions that are increasingly sought after in South Africa due to rising concerns around drought\, sustainability\, and food supply chains. \nFurthermore\, South Africa can serve as a gateway to the broader region\, connecting California companies to a market of over 300 million people. \n  \nGroup Sessions\nA comprehensive program covering all aspects of successful market entry into South Africa. \n  \nSession 1 – Understanding Africa & Entering South Africa (February 19\, 2026)\nSession 1: Africa: Trends in African Business in a Disrupted World Economy \nUnderstand Africa’s economic landscape\, growth opportunities\, and key market sectors. Input from: Panel discussion with staff from five key regions of Africa. \nKey Topics: \n\nOverview of Africa’s 1.5 billion consumer market\nGrowing entrepreneurial middle class\nHigh-potential sectors including agricultural machinery\nDemographic potential and economic transformation\n\nSession 2: South Africa: Country Market Building Market Knowledge \nComprehensive understanding of South Africa’s agricultural market and regulatory landscape. Input from: Market Entry Specialists\nKey Topics: \n\nSouth Africa’s role in Southern Africa\nAgricultural base and market potential\nSouthern African Customs Union (SACU)\, Southern African Development Community (SADC)\, and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) context\nFood manufacturing opportunities\n\nSession 3: South African Agricultural Market Overview \nComprehensive overview of South Africa’s agricultural sector. Input from: Agri-South Africa (South African Agricultural Industry Association). \nKey Topics: \n\nAgricultural landscape overview\nEquipment demands and market trends\nKey industry players\nRole of agriculture in economy\n\n  \n  \nSession 2 – Market Access\, Legal Frameworks & Compliance (March 12\, 2026)\nSession 4: Agricultural Equipment Market Dynamics \nUnderstanding demand for agricultural machinery and distribution channels. Input from: South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) \nKey Topics: \n\nAgricultural machinery sector overview\nGrowth opportunities\nDemand drivers\nMarket entry best practices\n\nSession 5: Legal Considerations for U.S. Exporters (Patents\, Trademarks and Intellectual Property) \nLearn about legal aspects of exporting agricultural equipment\, and understand IP protection in the South African market. Input from: Leading Law Firm \nKey Topics: \n\nKey legal considerations\nContract analysis\nLegal frameworks\nDispute resolution\nIP law requirements\n\nSession 6: Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) \nUnderstand BBBEE policies and their impact on U.S. exporters. Input from: BBBEE consultant. \nKey Topics: \n\nBBBEE overview and impact\nCompliance requirements\nBenefits for U.S. exporters\n Integration strategies\n\n  \nSession 3 – Quality\, Logistics & Financial Support (April 9\, 2026)\nSession 7: South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) \nUnderstanding regulatory and quality standards for agricultural equipment. Input from: SABS Representatives \nKey Topics: \n\nCertification process\nSafety and compliance standards\nNavigation of certification\nLocal standards importance\n\nSession 8: Logistics: Getting Agricultural Equipment to South Africa \nPractical insights into shipping and logistics. Input from: California and South African logistics firms. \nKey Topics: \n\nShipping strategies\nPorts and customs navigation\nTransportation routes\nLocal logistics partnerships\n\nSession 9: Trade Finance / U.S. Government Support for Exporters \nLearn about government programs and support for exporters\, including trade incentives and funding. Input from: U.S. Department of Commerce and Ex-Im Bank of the USA \nKey Topics: \n\nTrade Policies and Incentives\nSupport for Agricultural Technology\nExport Finance\nTariffs\n\n  \nSession 4 – Business Culture\, Local Partnerships & Program Wrap-Up (May 7\, 2026)\nSession 10: Panel Discussion with South African Equipment Companies \nInsights from local agricultural equipment distributors. Input from: South African Agricultural Equipment Company Representatives \nKey Topics: \n\nMarket challenges and opportunities\nBuyer preferences\nMarket positioning\nBuilding distributor relationships\n\nSession 11: Cultural Understanding of South African Markets \nDevelop effective pitching strategies for South African market. Input from: Zurcom International Team \nKey Topics: \n\nSales pitch structuring\nCultural considerations\nRole-playing sessions\nTailored recommendations\n\nSession 12: Final Q&A and Program Wrap-Up \nProgram conclusion and next steps. Input from: Program Manager and Key Staff Panelists \nKey Topics: \n\nFinal questions and clarifications\nKey takeaways review\nResource provision\nAction planning\n\n  \nOne-on-One Coaching\nOur coaching sessions are tailored to your specific business needs and export goals. \n  \n\nProduct-Specific Market Assessment\nDetailed analysis of market potential for your specific products\nExport Readiness Evaluation\nAssessment of your company’s preparedness and action plan development\nBuyer Identification\nTargeted identification of potential buyers for your products\nMarketing Materials Review\nReview and optimization of your marketing materials for the South African market\n\n  \nVirtual Buyer Meetings\nConnect directly with pre-qualified South African buyers interested in your products. \n  \nPre-Qualified Buyers\nWe identify and pre-qualify potential buyers who have expressed interest in California agricultural products and technologies. \n\nMajor South African retailers\nDistributors and wholesalers\nFood processors and manufacturers\nAgricultural input suppliers\n\n  \nVirtual Meeting Format\nWe facilitate and moderate virtual meetings to ensure productive discussions and potential business development. \n\nIntroduction and company overview\nProduct presentation\nQ&A and discussion\nFollow-up action planning\n\n  \nWORKING WITH ZURCOM INTERNATIONAL \nZurcom International offers key sales contacts and exclusive information in new global markets in Africa\, the Caribbean and around the world. Our team is one of the world’s most experienced in trade facilitation and a leader in assisting firms entering the African\, Caribbean and global marketplaces. \nZurcom has a long\, successful record of working with companies toward their international sales goals in Africa. Our team has a wealth of experience working with companies directly and through governmental trade agencies toward successful company export sales. Since 1999\, Zurcom has completed over 4\,300 company projects\, as well as over 160 governmental trade missions composed of company delegates. \nZurcom assists firms entering the market through direct representation. Firms wishing to expand their presence in Africa or globally work through us\, from company registration to direct sales representation for results-based outcomes. \nFor more information\, please contact  Richard Zurba. \nApply for this training HERE. \nDownload the flyer for more information.
URL:https://export.business.ca.gov/event/agricultural-technology-export-training/
LOCATION:South Africa
CATEGORIES:STEP Export Training
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