California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

World Smart Energy Week Japan (Registration Open Until December 10, 2021)
2022-03-16 - 2022-03-18 | Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan; Virtual
GO-Biz will be leading a delegation of small businesses from across the state to exhibit at World Smart Energy Week, a renewable energy trade show in Tokyo, Japan featuring nine expos: Hydrogen & Fuel Cell, Rechargeable Battery Technology, Smart Grid & Smart Communities, Zero Emission Thermal Power, Photovoltaic Power, Wind, Biomass, Decarbonization, and Resource Circulation. The event will also feature technical conferences with industry leaders. Participants may attend the event in-person in Tokyo or join remotely, depending on their participation package. Please contact Henan Li with any questions regarding this event.

Virtual Conference: Defense Opportunities in Romania
2022-03-29 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Romania; Virtual, United States
In this free webinar, California businesses will be able to learn about business opportunities in the Romanian market. Market representatives will explain their organizations’ plans, priorities, and procurement processes. Featured speakers include the Ministry of National Defense of Romania, State Secretary of Defense – Policy and Projects, Head of General Directorate for Armaments – Procurement, ROMETHNICA, Ministry of Economy of Romania, Minister of Economy, ROMARM, and General Dynamics – European Land Systems Romania. This webinar is intended to be a precursor to the Romania Aerospace and Defense Virtual Trade Mission. Please contact Jonathan Zeigler with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

Showcasing the International Success of Women-Owned and Led Businesses
2022-03-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the U.S. Commercial Service’s International Trade Administration for the second session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series. This free webinar will feature a dynamic panel of woman founders and leaders from Southern California-based companies who will share how they have successfully grown their businesses internationally. Participants will learn about the opportunities to seek out and the challenges to avoid as they launch or expand their international business, and receive information and resources that will help them chart their path to global sales and expansion success. Please contact Natalie Hatour with any questions regarding this event.

Romania Aerospace and Defense Virtual Trade Mission (Registration Open Until March 18, 2022)
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-29 | Romania; Virtual, United States
GO-Biz has joined with the U.S. Commercial Service, the Economic Development Collaborative, and Los Angeles SBDC Go Global to help California small businesses learn about business opportunities with Romania’s Ministry of Defense and Romania’s defense industry. Participating businesses will conduct virtual one-on-one meetings with potential business partners in Romania, including government officials and prime contractors. A customized schedule of up to four meetings per business will be prepared and held online. Interested businesses should also register for the virtual conference on Defense Opportunities in Romania that will be taking place prior to the beginning of this trade mission [link to event above once both are available on website]. Please contact Jonathan Zeigler with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

2022 California-China Virtual Trade Mission: Medical Devices (Registration Open Until March 18, 2022)
2022-04-01 - 2022-05-31 | China; Virtual, United States
As a California China Trade and Investment Network (CTIN) member, the City of Sacramento China Trade Office has teamed up with GO-Biz and the US Commercial Service to offer California businesses a virtual trade mission designed to link California exporters directly with buyers, potential partners, and distributors in the Chinese market through one-on-one online matchmaking meetings. Key opportunity sectors include medical diagnostics, imaging equipment, orthopedics and consumables, surgical equipment, and therapeutic products. Please contact Henan Li with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

2022 California-China Virtual Trade Mission: Food Processing Machinery (Registration Open Until March 18, 2022)
2022-04-01 - 2022-05-31 | China; Virtual, United States
As a California China Trade and Investment Network (CTIN) member, the City of Sacramento China Trade Office has teamed up with GO-Biz and the US Commercial Service to offer California businesses a virtual trade mission designed to link California exporters directly with buyers, potential partners, and distributors in the Chinese market through one-on-one online matchmaking meetings. Key opportunity sectors include brewery equipment, dairy processing equipment, hygienic food processing, and snack food processing and packing. Please contact Henan Li with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

2022 California-China Virtual Trade Mission: Beauty and Personal Care Products (Registration Open Until March 18, 2022)
2022-04-01 - 2022-05-31 | China; Virtual, United States
As a California China Trade and Investment Network (CTIN) member, the City of Sacramento China Trade Office has teamed up with GO-Biz and the US Commercial Service to offer California businesses a virtual trade mission designed to link California exporters directly with buyers, potential partners, and distributors in the Chinese market through one-on-one online matchmaking meetings. Key opportunity sectors include skincare products, sun care products, personal care products for children, and haircare products. Please contact Henan Li with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

Hong Kong Promotional Catalogue for California Medical Technologies (Registration Open Until March 25, 2022)
2022-04-01 - 2022-05-31 | China; Virtual, United States
The US Commercial Service is recruiting US companies to be included in this pitchbook, which will be promoted directly to Hong Kong’s leading medical device and healthcare product distributors and purchasers. Each featured business will receive a free customized International Market Check Report, which will include direct feedback from Hong Kong-based companies on the market potential of their product or service. Full matchmaking services are also available for participating firms who want to arrange direct, one-on-one meetings with potential partners. Target sectors include senior care, rehabilitation, pain treatment, brain and cognitive-related diseases treatment and assessment, oncology, heart and vascular treatment, joint treatment, and digital health solutions. Please contact Henan Li with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

FIDAE 2022 in Chile (Registration Open Until March 16, 2022)
2022-04-05 - 2022-04-10 | Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Santiago, Chile, United States
GO-Biz is organizing a California Pavilion within the USA Pavilion at FIDAE 2022, the leading aerospace and defense trade show in Latin America. The show will build on its well-earned reputation to present a vital and growing international aerospace event that addresses the full scope of commercial, military, and space interests. The 2018 edition hosted 500+ exhibitors from 50 nations whose products and services, including 138 aircraft on the flight line, attracted 120,000+ professional visitors, including 525 delegations from 40 countries. Organizers anticipate even more exhibitors and delegate visitors in 2022, all looking for extra insight and access to decision-makers and buyers in this dynamic and influential marketplace. We invite interested California small businesses to submit their application to exhibit within our California Pavilion. Please contact Diana Dominguez with any questions regarding this event. Participation costs up to $5,000 USD are subsidized for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) Shanghai (Registration Open Until January 28, 2022)
2022-04-07 - 2022-04-10 | National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China, United States
California small business exporters in the healthcare industry supply chain who join the USA Pavilion at the biannual CMEF trade show will be able to connect with industry leaders from around the world. This event will feature scientific and technological innovation, new product launches, business matching, brand promotion, academic exchanges, trend insights, education, and training. Every CMEF attracts 7,000+ manufacturing enterprises from 30+ countries and regions, 600+ key opinion leaders and entrepreneurs, and 200,000+ government officials, hospitals, end-users, agents, and distributors from 110+ countries and regions. Due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding travel restrictions, businesses interested in participating should have a local representative in China who can attend the event in person. Please contact Henan Li with any questions regarding this event. Participation costs up to $5,000 USD are subsidized for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

Aerospace and Defense Supplier Summit (A&DSS) Seattle (Registration Open Until March 18, 2022)
2022-04-11 - 2022-04-13 | Seattle, Washington, United States
This is a supply chain event that brings together aerospace and defense primes, tier suppliers, and contract-manufacturers. Suppliers and service providers, as well as engineering, procurement, supply chain, fabrication, and commodity teams, will meet through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings. The 2021 virtual A&DSS brought together 1,000 delegates from 550+ companies representing 25 countries, and each company landed an average of 14 pre-arranged meetings. Please contact Diana Dominguez with any questions regarding this event. Participation costs up to $1,000 USD are subsidized for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Dialogue
2022-04-22 07:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
The USMCA SME Dialogue is convened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), together with the Global Affairs Canada and Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, and the Development Productive Unit and the Vice Ministry of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economy of Mexico. The Dialogue brings together small- and medium-sized businesses and stakeholders, including those representing underserved communities, with government officials to discuss strengthening regional trade and investment with USMCA, enhancing cooperation on issues of mutual interest to SMEs, and helping more small businesses benefit from the USMCA, which will foster economic growth and jobs in communities across North America. Topics for discussion include USMCA small business trade resources for exporting and importing under USMCA; SMEs sharing their best practices for trading across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; and small business COVID-19 recovery resources. Participation in this free virtual event is open to SME stakeholder communities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but space is limited online and inclusion is not guaranteed, so early registration is encouraged. Please contact the USTA SBDC International Trade Center with any questions regarding this event.

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show
2022-04-23 - 2022-04-27 | Las Vegas Convention Center
This year’s NAB Show will offer an entirely reimagined experience to help discover the innovations and solutions driving the future of the media and entertainment industry. Attendees will be able to pick from among three collections of exhibits and networking opportunities: Create, Connect, and Capitalize. Participants who are looking for international buyers, market intelligence, or other export-related knowledge should visit the International Trade Center hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service. International Trade Specialists will be in the lounge located in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, eager to answer your questions free of cost. Stop by to learn more on how to connect with the international buyers from 20+ countries that have been recruited by the U.S. Commercial Service to attend the show – no appointment necessary! Please contact Christina Parisi with any questions regarding the International Trade Center or the NAB Show itself. Attendees can receive a free Exhibits Pass and $100 off a Conference Pass with discount code ID116.

Showcasing the International Success of Arab and Middle Eastern-Owned and Led Businesses
2022-04-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join the U.S. Commercial Service for the third event in its ‘From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity’ event series, which celebrates April as National Arab American Heritage Month. In this free webinar, participants will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive discussion on how Arab and Middle Eastern-owned and led Southern California-based companies have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

California Agricultural Export Training Program (CalAgX) Training Series
2022-05-12 - 2022-06-14 | Virtual
The Fresno Center for International Trade Development (CITD) is partnering with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), State Center Community College District, the U.S. Commercial Service, and GO-Biz to launch a ten-part export training program for California food and agriculture companies. This training program, focusing on new-to-export agricultural businesses, will help companies prepare and succeed in international markets. Attendees will learn from industry experts on issues related to logistics, finance, documentation, and import regulations. CalAgX will hold this live online training for two hours every Wednesday, from May 12 to July 14, 2022. In order to be eligible to participate, businesses must be in business for at least one year, based in California, and with product(s) grown and produced in California. Visit the CalAgX website or see the flyer below for more information regarding this event. Use code CALAGXGBIZ to receive a 25% discount on your registration fee.

California-Mexico Aerospace Business Summit (Register by April 29, 2022)
2022-05-12 10:30 - 19:00 | Downtown Los Angeles
California small businesses who attend the California-Mexico Aerospace Business Summit will have the opportunity to meet with an inbound business delegation of Mexican buyers, potential partners, and buying authorities from major aerospace clusters of Mexico. After first meeting in a group setting to learn about the plans, priorities, needs, and procurement processes of the Mexican delegation members, California delegates will meet one-on-one with relevant authorities to present their products/services. California participants will also have the option to request one-on-one meetings with U.S. embassy officials to gain insights into real-time market access. Key opportunity sectors include civil and commercial aviation, aircraft maintenance, airport equipment and services, aircraft components, aviation and helicopter services, and defense. Please contact Diana Dominguez with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses who qualify for STEP funding.

Minority Business Focused Trade Mission to Italy, Spain, and Portugal (Registration Open Until March 25, 2022)
2022-05-15 - 2022-05-21 | Milan, Italy; Madrid, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal
The goal of this executive-led trade mission is to connect minority US businesses and trade associations in the ICT, safety and security technology, environmental technology, and energy sectors with pre-screened business prospects in these Southern European markets. Participants will have the opportunity to receive market insights from US International Trade Administration experts and US companies already operating within the region. They will also conduct appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners, as well as with local government officials and industry experts, where applicable. This mission is being organized by the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Please contact Jonathan Zeigler with any questions regarding the event. Participation costs up to $3,000 USD are subsidized for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

Milipol Asia-Pacific 2022 (Registration Open Until April 8, 2022)
2022-05-18 - 2022-05-20 | Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore
Kallman Worldwide is organizing a US Pavilion at Milipol Asia-Pacific, the region’s leading international event for homeland security. Participants will be able to connect with high-level law enforcement, counterterrorism, and public safety delegations from the APAC region and 10,000 security industry professionals from around the world. Benefits for participating businesses include an individual Turnkey Booth within the US Pavilion, an entry in the Official Milipol Asia-Pacific Catalogue, and access to US Pavilion events such as the opening ceremony, networking mixer, and market briefing. Please contact Henan Li with any questions regarding this event. Participation costs up to $5,000 USD are subsidized for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

Resilient Workplace Webinar
2022-05-25 | Virtual
Disaster Resistant Business (DRB) Toolkit, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have teamed up to provide this free webinar that will teach you how to reduce potential disaster losses for your business, keep your doors open when disasters strike, and prioritize your operations to make better strategic decisions post-disaster. Participants will learn to use the easy, interactive, step-by-step toolkit and new mobile tool to ensure that their businesses can survive and thrive through any interruptions – no experience necessary. Invite your team to plan your resilience together! Please contact DRB Toolkit with any questions regarding this event.

Webinar: Showcasing the International Success of Asian and Pacific Islander-Owned and Led Businesses
2022-05-25 | Virtual
Join the U.S. Commercial Service for the fourth event in its ‘From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity’ event series, which celebrates May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this free webinar, participants will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive discussion on how Asian and Pacific Islander-owned and led Southern California-based companies have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

Virtual Cooking Demonstration and Recipe Development – Mexico
2022-06-01 - 2022-11-30 | Mexico; Virtual
The Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), in partnership with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is working with a small group of select chefs in Mexico who each have 4,000-45,000 followers. Businesses who participate in this event will be paired with the chef best fit for the market, after which the selected chef will work to develop a recipe with their product and conduct a virtual cooking demonstration for online followers. Once a chef has completed a social media post and cooking demonstration, WUSATA’s in-market representative will conduct social media advertising on select online platforms to boost the reach of each post. In addition to the virtual demonstration and social media campaign, WUSATA will also create a digital recipe book of the developed recipes, complete with high-resolution pictures and product information, to promote via social media and include in future promotional outreach events. Following the conclusion of the program in November/December 2022, participants will receive a 1-2 page summary of social media results, an online copy of the cooking video, and a link to the digital recipe book. Please contact Josh Eddy with any questions regarding this opportunity. The fee for participation is $150 USD, but eligible businesses may receive partial reimbursement via the WUSATA FundMatch program.

Enlit Africa (Registration Open Until May 9, 2022)
2022-06-07 - 2022-06-09 | Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
The US Commercial Service is partnering with Power Africa to recruit US energy and water technology companies, along with international buying delegations from Sub-Saharan Africa, to attend Enlit Africa 2022. Formerly PowerGen Africa – African Utility Week, Enlit Africa 2022 is the leading conference and trade exhibition for African power, energy, and water professionals. The Corporate Executive Office (CEO) Program is available to qualified US businesses that are seeking to enter or expand their share of the Sub-Saharan Africa energy market. It offers a unique, cost-effective way for these businesses to attend the show and benefit from pre-scheduled meetings and other value-added support services. Please contact Jonathan Zeigler with any questions regarding this event. Participation is free for California businesses that qualify for STEP funding.

2022 Select LA Investment Summit
2022-06-22 - 2022-06-23 | Los Angeles
World Trade Center LA and the LA County Economic Development Corporation will be jointly hosting the 2022 Select LA Investment Summit, the region’s only event focused on attracting and connecting international companies to the LA area. The 2022 event will focus on global sustainability with special emphasis on hydrogen, electric vehicles, climate infrastructure, and the circular economy. Select LA provides international and local businesses with a comprehensive understanding of the region’s investment ecosystem with actionable insights that can guide key business decisions. Through matchmaking technology and over four hours of networking, Select LA offers the perfect environment to create and foster new relationships that result in investment opportunities. There will be an array of opportunities to match international investors with local partners, such as table exhibits, one-on-one interactions, plenary panels, and breakout sessions led by local and international executives. Just as important as a connection is understanding the local processes and protocol to ensure successful transactions, which is why attendees will include state and local government officials in addition to private businesses.

LGBTQ+ U.S.-Mexico Travel and Tourism Forum (Registration Open Until May 31, 2022)
2022-06-22 - 2022-06-23 | Mexico; Virtual
The U.S. Commercial Service is partnering with Brand USA, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) to organize this virtual event that will promote inclusion, economic development, and travel to the U.S. Travel and tourism represent one of the top service exports for both the U.S. and Mexico, and its benefits reach a wide array of industries and subsectors. Additionally, multiple studies show that LGBTQ+ individuals are often considered strongly entrepreneurial, own businesses, and dedicate a significant amount of resources to leisure activities such as tourism. This forum represents an unparalleled opportunity to support post-pandemic economic recovery and promote the development of minority communities within the United States and Mexico. Please contact Diana Dominguez with any questions regarding this event. Participation is FREE for California tourism authorities and small businesses, but spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis

AmCham Business Summit 2022: U.S.-East Africa Trade and Investment Forum
2022-06-28 - 2022-06-30 | Nairobi, Kenya; Virtual
This Summit aims to expand markets for American, Kenyan, Ugandan, Tanzanian, Rwandan, and Ethiopian businesses. The AmCham Summit Program will take place within the United Nations Complex, Gigiri and offers U.S. companies the following benefits: in-person or virtual matchmaking B2B meetings and facilitated B2G meetings; private one-on-one meetings to discuss business needs with private and public sector representatives; access to deal rooms, both in-person and virtual, to engage with buyers and sellers from across Kenya, East Africa, and the U.S.; and panel discussions and roundtable forums that will be accessible through live streaming and “on demand” for up to four weeks after the Summit. Please contact George Tastard or Leone Mutoka with any questions regarding this event. The fee for participation is $250 (in-person) or $210 (virtual).

Webinar: Showcasing the International Success of LGBTQ-Owned and Led Businesses
2022-06-29 11:00 | Virtual
Join the U.S. Commercial Service for the fifth event in its ‘From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity’ event series, which celebrates June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. In this free webinar, participants will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive discussion on how LGBTQ-owned and led Southern California-based companies have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

SuperZoo
2022-08-23 - 2022-08-25 | Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
SuperZoo is a U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Event Partnership Program (TEPP)-supported event, and the most attended pet industry trade show in North America. Since its establishment in 1950, the show has served as a key event for the entire industry to connect, learn, and do business, and it now boasts more buyers and education hours than any other industry event on the continent. With its rich education offerings, easy-to-shop show floor, and fun-filled atmosphere, SuperZoo has earned its reputation as North America’s premier pet retail event – and the industry’s most productive and vibrant trade show of the year. Please contact Daniel Giavina with any questions regarding this event. Participation fee varies by type of attendance.

Exporting 101: Pathways to International Markets
2022-08-24 08:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
The Fresno Center for International Trade Development (CITD) has partnered with the State Center Community College District, the U.S. Commercial Service, and GO-Biz to offer this introductory export training, which will take place twice in 2022. Participants will learn about the process of exporting U.S. products, keys for successful exporting, the export documentation process, and much more. Anyone who is considering exporting is encouraged to attend, from entrepreneurs to business students. Members of any industry will benefit from this workshop, but target industries include manufacturing, equipment, and food and beverages. Please contact Frank M. Nuñez with any questions regarding this event. Use code EXPORTGBIZ to receive a 25% discount on your registration fee.

Discover Global Markets: The Blue Economy
2022-09-20 - 2022-09-22 | Providence, Rhode Island
Discover Global Markets business development forum is the U.S. Department of Commerce’s flagship event series for U.S. exporters. The forum features a dynamic mix of plenary sessions, topical round-tables, prescheduled one-on-one meetings with U.S. commercial diplomats, buyers, and ministry officials from key markets around the globe, and plenty of networking! Participants will have the opportunity to gain market insights from industry experts from U.S. Embassies around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Please contact Maryanne Burke or Keith Yatsuhashi with any questions regarding this event. The registration fee is $495 through May 31, 2022, after which it will increase to $645.

California STEP Program Application Webinar with Live Q&A
2022-09-22 - 2022-12-15 | Virtual
The California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) administered by GO-Biz will provide free training to California small businesses alongside federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations by conducting practical webinars that guide eligible California small businesses through the STEP grant portal and instructional materials that help guide successful applications.
