SC expands Small Business Export Initiative

The State of South Carolina is expanding its export initiative for in-state businesses through a new program; South Carolina Opportunities for Promoting Exports or SCOPE. Administered through the South Carolina Department of Commerce, SCOPE is aimed at assisting small and medium-sized businesses as they enter new markets and increase their exporting activities. The South Carolina Department of Commerce has ramped up efforts to support the small business community – including international trade – in recent years. In 2011, with a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Commerce implemented the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program. Since that time, 65 participating companies, with an average of 39 employees, have contributed nearly $4.7 million in export sales in South Carolina. In September 2014, the SBA announced the third round of competitive STEP awards, totaling $8 million. South Carolina was awarded its full requested amount of $250,000 and was one of 24 states to receive an award. In an effort to build on the success of STEP, the South Carolina Department of Commerce has created SCOPE. With funds through the State of South Carolina, SCOPE allows companies that have been in business for at least two years and operate with fewer than 500 employees the opportunity to apply for one of four packages to specifically address that company’s needs. These packages range from finding overseas buyers to helping fund booth space at trade shows as well as translation services for a company’s website or marketing materials. Eligible companies may apply to participate in STEP from Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015 and for SCOPE from Oct. 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015. Companies may not apply to both the SCOPE and STEP programs during the 2014-2015 period.