It’s that time of year again: National Small Business Week. During this week, as proclaimed by the President himself , the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes small businesses and innovative start-ups for their entrepreneurial spirit. In the midst of the pandemic, their grit and resiliency have been put to the test like never before.
As the head of the SBA’s Office of International Trade, I have the distinct privilege of leading America’s 32.5 million small businesses into the international marketplace. While it might appear daunting, selling abroad has proven to help small businesses grow more quickly, make more sales, and employ more workers.
This is exactly the story of Tom Britz, CEO of Glacier Hops Ranch in Whitefish, Montana. Britz started his company ten years ago as the state’s first commercial hops farm in a modest 392-square foot office. Since then, he has expanded his facility’s footprint tenfold and tripled his staff. Today, Britz exports to over 50 countries worldwide.
Throughout his journey, Britz remains committed to maintaining sustainable growth through innovation and global expansion. Glacier Hops Ranch has a worldwide reputation for producing an innovative and premium product that now makes up over 80 percent of industry sales volume. In fact, he shared his experiences first hand during an export-focused panel I had the privilege of moderating during National Small Business Week.
It is humbling to know that the SBA played a role in Britz’s decade-long journey to grow Glacier Hops Ranch into a worldwide company. Britz took advantage of several government trade promotion and financing programs, including the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) in 2019, 2020, and 2021. In 2020, the company was able to secure funding through SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)and 7(a) loans.
For these reasons, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize Glacier Hops Ranch and its hardworking founder, Tom Britz, as the SBA’s 2022 Small Business Exporter of the Year. Glacier Hops Ranch is a great example of how a small business can flourish by entering the international marketplace. Leveraging its logistical efficiencies to enter key markets, Britz’s company has contributed to continuous economic growth and job creation despite the pandemic.
Want to learn how you can go global too? Contact a local representative from the Office of International Trade now: www.sba.gov/international