Hawaii’s State Trade Expansion Program, known as “HiSTEP,” is built on a multifaceted approach that begins with comprehensive export assistance, readiness, counseling and training that leads into a menu of targeted activities designed to generate new export sales for participating small businesses from key industry sectors in Hawaii. 

The HiSTEP Program is administered by the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, (DBEDT), and is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with DBEDT. Partners in the HiSTEP program include the U.S. Export Assistance Center, Hawaii Pacific Export Council, Small Business Administration, the Hawaii Small Business Development Center, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, High Technology Development Corporation, Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii and the county Economic Development Boards.