Digital Technology to United States of America
The Going Global Export Program provides export support for NSW early-stage exporters or new to-market exporters. Eligible businesses can apply for free support to export digital technology to the USA. Applications open on Friday 21 June 2024 and close on Sunday 28 July 2024.
Program dates
July to October 2024
Key event
Tech Week 2024External Link in San Francisco on October 7-13 2024
Please note in-person attendance at the event is required.
Why this market
The United States is consistently ranked among the best internationally for its overall competitiveness and ease of doing business. Backed by a regulatory environment that is particularly conducive to starting and operating a business, U.S. business culture encourages free enterprise and competition. The United States offers the largest consumer market on earth with a GDP of $20 trillion and 325 million people.
California is a global tech powerhouse and is the home to approximately 15,000 software as a service (SaaS) companies, with around 14 billion customers worldwide. Some of the largest SaaS companies in the world are from the US including Salesforce, Shopify and Adobe which makes it a thriving and collaborative ecosystem.
California holds the title for the biggest Venture Capital (VC) market in the U.S., estimated market size reached $14.5 billion in 2023. This dominance is reflected in funding figures too, with California startups receiving over half of all U.S. venture capital funding in the first three quarters of 2023. While other states like New York, Boston and Texas are growing, California remains a hub for venture capital investment and home to many of the largest global tech VC funds.
Participation requirements and success factors
Eligibility for the overall Program
- Have headquarters in NSW
- Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW
- Be export-capable and export-ready
- Have an employee number between 10 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
- The product or service is achieving sales already in NSW
- Have a website featuring the product or service
- Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market
- Be flexible regarding market-entry method
- Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
- Be willing to travel to the selected market and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses
Note this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters.
Additional eligibility requirements for this stream
- Have raised or will be raising at the Series A stage in the near future
- Already identified targets or existing customers in the U.S.
- Clear demonstration of product-market fit and competitive landscape
- Commitment to scale to the U.S. within the next 12 months
The ideal participant has a:
- Unique and innovative digital technology product
- Compelling proposition for the U.S. market
- U.S. product-market fit that is established
- May have an employee who already does some work in the U.S.
- Commitment to scale to the U.S. within the next 12 months
Businesses not eligible for this stream
- Previous Going Global Export Program participants "to the USA"
- Consultants selling solutions to digital technology companies
Curriculum
Introductory session
- Welcome session - August TBC
Market intelligence briefings and cultural training
- The USA digital tech ecosystem
- Go-to-market strategy
- Pitch coaching
- Setup (business registration, tax and structure)
- Raising capital in the US (preparation, representation and legal)
- Selling digital tech solutions into large enterprises
Preparation to meet potential partners/customers
- Help refining your pitch and go-to-market strategies
- 1:1 advisory from Investment NSW staff
- Access to mentor(s) to advise your business on USA expansion
Introductions to potential partners/customers
- A ticket for one delegate to attend the roadshow
- Opportunities to network with potential customers and partners
- Introductions to in-market stakeholders, potential partners and customers
Ongoing advice and follow up
- Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser
Note: the curriculum is subject to change
How to apply
Applications closed on Sunday 28 July 2024.