Larsen-Led Measure To Support Small Business Exports Becomes Law

Small businesses will have more support to grow through exports because of provisions that Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, championed in the trade bill that President Obama signed into law today. The President signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which includes two Larsen-led measures to help small businesses increase their exports and two of his provisions to improve trade enforcement.

Helping Small Businesses

Larsen has long led efforts to fund the State Trade and Export Promotion program, which helps small businesses start exporting or increase their export capacity through funding for foreign trade missions, foreign sales trips, technical assistance and other cost-of-business expenses related to exporting. More than 450 small businesses in Washington state have made use of STEP to bring in $220 million in sales, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce, which administers the program. The new law also includes Larsen's provision to require more coordinated, efficient assistance from the federal government to streamline trade resources for small businesses.

"Today is a great day for small businesses in Northwest Washington and around the country that need a little extra help to get their products into the hands of consumers worldwide. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses have generated the majority of net new jobs over the past decade, but less than one percent of them export--significantly fewer than other developed countries.

"I have worked for years to invest in STEP, because when we help our small businesses sell their goods overseas, we create jobs here at home. STEP has a proven record of success, helping hundreds of small businesses in Washington state, like Warm Industrial Nonwovens in Lynnwood, generate millions of dollars in sales," Larsen said.

STEP grants have enabled Warm Industrial Nonwovens to attend international trade shows and get its products in front of major aerospace manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier and others, resulting in new sales, said company owner Jim Chumbley and sales director Steve Bagwell. "A big part of going to the shows is making connections with the corporate decision makers to then be able to sell to major manufacturers," they said.

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