The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced that California received a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help California small businesses boost trade and exports abroad. CDFA and GO-Biz will use the funds as part of the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to help California small businesses participate in activities like foreign trade shows and access foreign markets through trade promotion initiatives. In addition to the federal support, California and its partner agencies will provide $323,076 in matching funds, bringing the total program funds to $923,076. CDFA and GO-Biz will work with partners including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Los Rios Community College District, Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), and the University Enterprises Corporation at California State University San Bernardino.
“International trade is a critical part of California’s economy,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This award will help to fuel economic growth by allowing small businesses to expand export opportunities, compete in foreign markets, and support jobs here in California. As the nation’s largest agricultural producer and exporter, our farmers, ranchers and food processors benefit from open markets, export sales and a global consumer base.” For more information on the California STEP program, visit www.CaliforniaExport.org
For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com
