Ninety-six percent of the world’s consumers live outside of the United States and represent two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power.

Local companies that export enjoy business success with increased sales and profit potential. Exporting also helps businesses weather downturns in our economy by being prepared to respond to foreign competition and global market trends.

Exports have been a key driver in our local economic comeback. Exports support 25 percent of local jobs, and contributed one-third of our nation’s annual growth between 2009 and 2013. In other words, with exports comes opportunity. Partnering with the SBA can help local small businesses enter and compete in the global marketplace.

SBA’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program allows states to assist small businesses with export-related activities or other export initiatives. Recently, SBA announced the FY 2015 STEP Awards, providing $747,300 to promote small business exporting in Washington. STEP will unlock capital for local small businesses to keep them competitive in the 21st century global marketplace.

To learn more about how you can export with the SBA, visit www.sba.gov/exporting.