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WHO WE ARE

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EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO EXPAND TRADE

South Dakota Trade navigates international trade for the state, promoting South Dakota exports and connecting local businesses with global opportunities. As a 501(c)(6) public-private partnership, we administer South Dakota’s STEP grant program, conduct export education, facilitate trade missions, and offer confidential trade consulting services to South Dakota companies.

We Are Here for South Dakota

We are designated by the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development to help the state navigate international trade. Commodity groups, businesses, industry associations, universities, and state officials work with us to promote South Dakota exports.

How We Protect Your Trade

We support your efforts to meet requirements and navigate secure trade processes, allowing you to focus on your business growth.

Why It Matters

We make it easier for South Dakota businesses to sell confidently overseas. From introductions to contracts, we are there every step of the way.

WHAT WE DO

We connect South Dakota businesses with qualified buyers in foreign markets, driving growth through trade advancement.

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Export Education

South Dakota Trade offers seminars and courses to enhance your company’s export-readiness. Classes range from beginner to advanced and can often be covered by STEP funds. 

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STEP Grants

Small businesses can be reimbursed for eligible expenses related to export development through STEP Grants. South Dakota Trade helps administer these grants, providing up to 75% reimbursement for a project’s cost.

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Trade Missions

Our team coordinates both in-bound and out-bound trade missions on behalf of the state to develop important relationships with foreign buyers and those looking to do business in South Dakota.

MEET OUR TEAM

With years of experience, the South Dakota Trade team is ready to help connect your business with foreign buyers and international trade opportunities.
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Core Values

Core Values

We’re dedicated to navigating international trade for South Dakota, growing businesses and our economy. Our team is guided by five core values. 

real members. real results

South Dakota Trade’s mission to Mexico helped us secure new sales in a key market. We are expanding our infrastructure to meet the demand we generated from the trip. 
Cesar Garcia
Export Sales Manager, Advanced Sunflower
We are a powerhouse in exporting agriculture. But we also export machinery, biotechnology, arms, munitions, and much more. South Dakota is poised to grow and diversify our economy. 
Larry Rhoden
Governor, South Dakota
Houdek ships two-thirds of our products to international countries. Working with South Dakota Trade is helping us access new markets that will build resiliency into our business. 
Dennis Harstad
Vice President & General Manager (Retired), Houdek

International trade is a large part of our success. We export all over the world. Israel, Germany, Australia, England, Japan…you name it, if we’re allowed to export there, we export there!

Tim Houghton
COO, H-S Precision
You think you have to do it all on your own. That’s how I started out. With South Dakota Trade, I now have the resources I need to be successful in exporting our kennels. 
Alisa Turner
CEO, Ruffland Performance Kennels
South Dakota Trade made international trade feel possible. Their support and two trade missions have already paid off, and now we’re pursuing global opportunities that will make a big difference for Cole-TAC.
Dustin Coleman
Founder & President, Cole-TAC