Goal 3: Support Idaho businesses with international & domestic trade expansions

Key Findings

• Facilitate new export sales and expansion for Idaho businesses
• Administer State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP)
• Attend and organize international and domestic trade shows and missions
• Liaise with state agencies and federal partners on trade issues
• Organize annual Governor-led trade missions
• Leverage state's trade offices in China, Mexico, and Taiwan
• Develop comprehensive database of over 1,600 exporting firms in Idaho

Analysis

Small Business Perspective

This goal offers some consideration for businesses under 20 employees through the State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP), which assists small companies with funding for trade expansion. However, the emphasis on Governor-led trade missions and leveraging state trade offices may be less accessible or relevant to small businesses due to resource constraints. While the STEP program is mentioned, which could potentially benefit some small businesses, the overall focus of international trade activities appears to cater to larger companies with the resources for international expansion.

Big Business Perspective

While this goal includes some support for small businesses, it primarily aligns with big business interests. The organization of Governor-led trade missions, emphasis on foreign direct investment strategies, and leveraging of state trade offices in major international markets cater to the needs and capabilities of larger companies.