The World Trade Connect Accelerator Program

Why Exporting Is
a Game-Changer

Did you know 70% of the world’s purchasing power exists outside the U.S.? This means the majority of global spending occurs in international markets. By entering these markets, your business can:

  • Grow faster and reach new revenue heights.
  • Increase profitability by tapping into diverse customer bases.
  • Build resilience by reducing dependency on a single market.
  • Create additional revenue streams, offset seasonal variations, and protect against economic downturns.

Think Exporting Isn’t for You?
Think Again!

Myth

  • My company is too small.

Fact

  • 65% of exporters have fewer than 20 employees.

Myth

  • Exporting is only for goods.

Fact

  • 40% of U.S. exports are services, driven by finance, tech, and consulting.

Myth

  • Exporting is too risky.

Fact

  • Many global markets are as stable as the U.S.

Your 10-Week Journey
to Global Success

  • A highly valuable, granted program that combines expert coaching, group training, and self-paced online learning.
  • Designed to require just 3 hours per week, with tools and guidance to build a complete export strategy.
  • Participants gain actionable insights, access funding opportunities, and earn a Certificate of Completion.

What’s Covered in 10 Weeks

  1. Kick Off
  2. Product Classification
  3. Market Analysis
  4. Market Selection
  5. Product Modifications
  6. International Pricing
  7. Forecasting
  8. Payments & Taxes
  9. International Marketing
  10. Logistics & Compliance
  11. Pitch Fest!

Is This Program Right for You?

  • You have systems and processes in place to scale.
  • Your business has been operational for at least one year.
  • Your business is based in California.
  • You are a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Your service or product is made in the U.S. or has at least 51% U.S. content

Learn From Industry Leaders

Jamison Shelton

With 15+ years in global market expansion, Jamison scaled eCommerce revenues from $5M to $20M and drove 400% revenue growth for SMBs. A Certified Global Business Professional, he’s known for crafting scalable solutions for complex markets.

Simona Filip Racek

Co-CEO of Simaris Trade and a leader in global commerce, Simona has helped hundreds of businesses streamline their export operations and secure export-related financing and grants. Her expertise spans strategy, logistics, and compliance.

Sylvia Martini

With over 30 years of experience in international marketing, Sylvia has supported clients in competitive analyses, market expansion, and export training. Fluent in German and English, she brings deep cultural and market insights to her work.

Kevin Mather

Kevin has over two decades of experience in international business, connecting businesses globally and implementing key U.S. State Department programs. He brings strategic leadership and operational expertise to help businesses thrive in international markets.

Kimberley Vuitel

Formerly VP of International Sales at Victorinox Swiss Army, Kimberley brings years of expertise in international logistics, inventory management, and export education. Her focus is on helping businesses streamline export processes and grow globally.

How to Apply

Apply by January 24th, 2025, for the week of February 10th 2025 Cohort

Apply by March 31st, 2025, for the Week of April 28 Cohort

  • Submitted
  • Pending
  • Approved
  • Virtual cohorts start in February and April.
  • Applications are evaluated to select businesses ready to benefit from the program’s expert guidance.
  • Secure your spot and gain a $10,000 value at no cost to you.
Apply Now for the Accelerator Program

Video Testimonials

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? SIGN-UP FOR A 30 MINUTE INFO SESSION

Why exporting should be part of your strategic growth plan.

  • Insights into global market opportunities.
  • Tools to assess export readiness and build your roadmap for success.
Sign up for the Info Session

Have Questions?
We’ve Got Answers

FAQ’s

Program Eligibility and Suitability
What type of businesses are best suited for this program?
  1. Businesses with:
    1. Product:  Export viable product or service.
    2. Processes:  Internal processes to support expansion.
    3. Profit:  Willing to provide a budget to support the expansion strategy.
    4. People:  Management commitment to expansion strategy.
  2. Industries well-suited for this program include:
    1. Technology and Software
    2. Agriculture and Food Products
    3. Healthcare and Medical Devices
    4. Advanced Manufacturing
    5. Renewable Energy and Environmental Technology
    6. Apparel and Lifestyle Products
    7. Luxury Goods
Does my business need to have prior experience in international trade to apply?
  1. No, you do not need prior experience in international trade to apply.  
  2. The program is designed to educate and support businesses to develop an export business plan.
Are startups eligible to apply, or do I need to have been in business for at least a year?
  1. Startups are eligible to apply for the program.  
  2. Companies need to have been in business for a minimum of 1 or more years.
What are the requirements to qualify for this program?
  1. There is no minimum revenue requirement.
  2. You are a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration
  3. Your service or product is made in the U.S. or has at least 51% U.S. content.
Application Process
How do I apply for the program, and what information do I need to provide?
  1. Complete the application form World Trade Connect Accelerator Application – Jotform Form Builder
  2. The requested information includes basic contact information as well as general details about the business including industry, years in operation, number of employees, and annual revenue.  We also ask for a brief description of your products / services and if you have any experience in international business.  
  3. All applications will be reviewed by the World Trade Center and selected program partners.  Successful applicants will be notified and offered space in one of the two cohorts.  
What are the application deadlines for the February and April cohorts?
  1. The deadline for the February cohort is January 24th.
  2. The deadline for the April cohort is March 31st. 
Is there a cost for the program?
  1. No, there is no cost to participate in the program.  
Program Structure and Details
What is the duration of the program, and how is it structured?
  1. The program is 10 weeks in duration and in the 11th week is the “Pitch Contest” with the opportunity to win up to $7500.
  2. Each week is a different topic and element in creating your Export Business Plan.
    1. Week 1:  Introduction and International Trade Plan
    2. Week 2:  Product Selection and Classification
    3. Week 3:  Market Selection and Analysis
    4. Week 4:  Product Localization and Certification
    5. Week 5:  Budgeting for International Expansion
    6. Week 6:  International Pricing and Sales Forecasting
    7. Week 7:  Trade Finance, Payments, and Taxes
    8. Week 8:  International Marketing and Trade Shows
    9. Week 9:  International Logistics
    10. Week 10: Export Compliance and Trade Plan Review
  3. Each week will involve the following:
    1. 15 – 20 minutes of asynchronous learning to be completed before the Group Session.
    2. 1 hour Group Session with the Program Leader and the 9 other businesses in your cohort on the topic of the week.
    3. 1 hour Individual Session with your International Trade Expert to help you apply the learnings of the week to your business and get started on the related element of your Export Business Plan.  
  4. The anticipated time commitment is 3 – 4 hours per week. 
Is the program entirely virtual, or are there any in-person components?
  1. The program is entirely virtual.  There are no in-person components.  
What does the online learning and group training entail?
  1. The online learning is a 15-20 minute module to be completed sometime before the Group Session.  The purpose of the online learning is to share definitions and key concepts that will be relevant in the Group Session.
  2. The group training is focused each week on specific topics and includes educational information and expert guest speakers.  
  3. Each week is a different topic and element in creating your Export Business Plan.
    1. Week 1:  Introduction and International Trade Plan
    2. Week 2:  Product Selection and Classification
    3. Week 3:  Market Selection and Analysis
    4. Week 4:  Product Localization and Certification
    5. Week 5:  Budgeting for International Expansion
    6. Week 6:  International Pricing and Sales Forecasting
    7. Week 7:  Trade Finance, Payments, and Taxes
    8. Week 8:  International Marketing and Trade Shows
    9. Week 9:  International Logistics
    10. Week 10: Export Compliance and Trade Plan Review
Benefits and Resources
What specific skills and knowledge will I gain from participating in this program?
  1. You will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create your Export Business Plan with the guidance of international trade experts.  
  2. Upon completing the program, you will have an actionable, well-considered Export Business Plan.  Like a standard Business Plan, an Export Business Plan specifies how your business will enter and operate in international markets.
What kind of global market research assistance will I receive?
  1. Global market research assistance begins with a matrix evaluating by country the opportunity for your product category.
  2. Next, this large list is narrowed to a few key markets for further consideration.
  3. You then have the opportunity to explore each country in more detail through the U.S. Commercial Service programs supporting the World Trade Connect Accelerator program.   
Can you elaborate on the assessment of company websites for a global audience?
  1. The company website assessment is completed by the U.S. Commercial Service, which offers a Website Globalization Review (WGR) Service to assist U.S. businesses in optimizing their websites for international markets. This service provides a technical and strategic assessment of a company’s eCommerce efforts, focusing on international search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance online global presence. 
  2. Each WGR Service Report includes:
    1. Step-by-Step Recommendations: Tailored guidance to improve website performance in target international markets.
    2. Technical SEO Analysis: Detailed reports identifying backend issues affecting global search visibility.
    3. Keyword Rankings: Evaluation of current keyword effectiveness and suggestions for improvement.
    4. Inbound Links Assessment: Analysis of existing backlinks and strategies to acquire quality international links.
    5. Website Internationalization Best Practices: Insights into adapting website content and design for diverse cultural audiences.
    6. International Aesthetics Assessment: Evaluation of visual elements to ensure cultural relevance and appeal.
    7. eCommerce Business Service Provider Referrals: Connections to experts specializing in global eCommerce solutions.
    8. Follow-on Coaching: Ongoing support to implement recommendations effectively.
  3. The cost of this assessment is included in the World Trade Connect Accelerator program. 
What does the one-on-one coaching involve, and who are the experts?
  1. Each week of the 10 week program you will have a 1 hour Individual Session with your International Trade Expert to help you apply the learnings of the week to your business and get started on the related element of your Export Business Plan.  
  2. The experts are carefully selected individuals who have several years of experience in international trade and supporting businesses in developing export business plans.  
Benefits Funding and Financial Support
What is the California STEP Grant, and how can I apply for it through this program?
  1. The California STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) Grant is a federally funded program designed to support small businesses in California looking to expand into international markets. It is part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) broader STEP initiative, which provides financial assistance to help small businesses succeed in global trade.  To learn more go to: California STEP Grant
What are the eligibility criteria for pitching for up to $7,500 in funding?
  1. To be eligible for the Pitch Fest, participating companies must:
    1. Complete the 10-week program, 
    2. Participate in the group sessions and one-on-one counseling sessions
    3. Finish their Export Business Plan 
    4. Fill out the pre and post program surveys 
  2. Pitch Contest prizes for each cohort are:
    1. 1st place $7500
    2. 2nd place $5000
    3. 3rd place $2500
General and Contact Information
Who can I contact for more information about the program?
  1. Please email Kimberley Vuitel at kvuitel@norcalwtc.org for more information about the program.
Apply Now for the Accelerator Program