Alliance gives southern Utah businesses local access to the many grants, programs and services offered by World Trade Center Utah.

World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) and St. George Area Chamber of Commerce (SGACC) announce a continued alliance that will offer southern Utah companies local access to WTC Utah’s grants, international programs, and business services.  

International trade supports nearly one in every four jobs in the state, with small businesses accounting for 85% of Utah’s exporters. The alliance between WTC Utah and the SGACC connects southern Utah companies with global opportunities, grows the state’s international presence, and provides WTC Utah with a physical presence in the fastest growing county in the state. 

“The World Trade Center Utah partnership aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission to help southern Utah businesses expand,” said Shawn Christensen, president and CEO of SGACC. “This partnership will allow us to continue to strengthen the business community through helping companies diversify their revenue streams.”

Achieving international business success is at the heart of WTC Utah’s work. In 2022, WTC Utah facilitated engagements with business and diplomatic delegations from 36 countries, led 15 international trips and awarded $1.5M in grant funding. In total, WTC Utah helped nearly 400 Utah companies throughout the state from a wide range of industries such as life sciences, aerospace and defense and outdoor products. The growth for these businesses alone has resulted in $152.3M in new trade opportunities* for the state.

“As we [WTC Utah] strive to further Utah’s position as the crossroads of the world, it’s important that we harness the talent and innovation from businesses throughout the state, particularly in growing regions like southern Utah,” shared Miles Hansen, president and CEO of WTC Utah. “The partnership between WTC Utah and the St. George Chamber focuses on expanding access to expertise and business services to more Utah companies. Our combined abilities will better prepare companies for international opportunities and position them for greater success in a competitive global marketplace.”

According to a 2022 report by WalletHub, Washington City and St. George City ranked as the number one and two Best Small Cities for Starting a Business. With so much growth, it is important that businesses have convenient access to all services and expertise available to them. One of the many resources more readily available to southern Utah businesses is access to grants. WTC Utah administers the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant funds, which can be utilized to offset a wide range of costs associated with pursuing international sales. With nearly $1M in funds available, small businesses in the region can start the grant process through the SGACC office.

Having benefited from the many resources offered by WTC Utah over the past few years, Dalyon Ruesch, CEO of Vitalpax, is anticipating up to $2MM – $3MM per year in international revenues. “I feel confident as an owner that we will have the correct information and the support of an experienced team,” shared Ruesch. With an aggressive international growth plan in place, the La Verkin-based company has expanded throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America.

For more information about the World Trade Center Utah-St. George Area Chamber of Commerce partnership and how to utilize global business services, please visit the SGACC office at 136 North 100 East, St. George, or contact Shawn Christensen at shawn@stgeorgechamber.com.

*New Trade Opportunities = Actual Sales + Prospective Sales + Actual Investments resulting from trade and/or investment activity and as reported in client impact statements