The US Small Business Administration (SBA) announced $18.85 million to support export growth between US and Mexican small businesses. SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet also traveled to Mexico to increase entrepreneurial partnerships between the two countries. These developments are significant as Mexico is the US's second largest trading partner. Small and medium business owners may benefit from recent government initiatives to stimulate US exports to Mexico.

1. Executive Summary of Significant Event for week ending October 7th,
2016
The most significant news of business owner and decision-maker interest for the week is the Small Business
Administration (SBA) announcement of $18.85m to support export growth among US small businesses,[1] as
well as SBA Administrator and Presidential Cabinet member, Maria Contreras-Sweet’s Mexico trip intended
to increase US and Mexican entrepreneurial partnerships.[2]
Background Summary: On October 3rd, the
SBA announced an initiative pledging
$18.85m in support of US-to-Mexico export
growth through the SBA’s State Trade
Expansion Program (STEP). [3] In addition,
Contreras-Sweet traveled to Mexico from
October 1-5 in order to develop
entrepreneurial partnerships between the
two nations.
Analysis: These developments are key, as
Mexico is the US’s second largest trading
partner,[4] and Contreras-Sweet’s visit to
Mexico indicates US government
commitment to increasing US small
business sales through exporting
development funding assistance. SMB
(small- or medium-sized businesses)
owners and decision-makers may benefit from recent government initiatives meant to stimulate US
exports to Mexico.
Recommendation: This initiative may provide SMBs the ability to grow into, or expand, exporting
operations. If so, consider if your industry is over- or under-represented in US import/export data. You
may then research the SBA’s STEP website (see link in reference #3 below) and contact your local SBA
for specific inquiries.
1. https://www.sba.gov/content/sba-announces-188-million-support-small-business-trade-growth
2. https://www.sba.gov/content/sba-administrator-maria-contreras-sweet-travels-mexico-advance-economic-and-
entrepreneurship
3. https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/exporting/step
4. Mexico is currently the US’ 2nd largest goods trading partner https://www.census.gov/foreign-
trade/statistics/graphs/TopPartners.html#exports
August 2016 - US Trade Service, value in billions. Source: US Census Data.
https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/graphs/services.html