Seizing South Dakota’s Moment on the World Stage

In 2023, leaders from both the public and private sectors came together to discuss South Dakota’s global footprint—and its untapped potential. For years, our state has undersold itself on the international stage, both in terms of exports and foreign direct investment. But that’s changing.

Thanks to bold leadership from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and support from business leaders in Rapid City, Sioux Falls and across the state, a new public-private partnership was formed: South Dakota Trade (SDT). Our mission is simple but significant—to help South Dakota businesses navigate international trade. We have already directly supported more than $10 million in new sales for South Dakota companies in our first two years, with robust pipelines to secure even more. International trade accounts for roughly 10% of South Dakota’s gross domestic product and directly supports more than 20,000 good-paying jobs right here at home.

Shortly after its formation, SDT was selected as South Dakota’s official State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant recipient, thanks to support from the State of South Dakota and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Despite a short runway, we deployed our first round of grant funding—which goes directly to small and medium businesses to offset their export-related activities—and delivered an impressive 28 times return on investment in that initial cycle. Since then, we’ve launched two additional rounds of STEP grants and look forward to reporting on their impact in the months ahead.

South Dakota’s export profile shares much in common with our Midwestern neighbors. Soybeans, corn, beef, dairy and grains make up the bulk of agriculture-related exports, and our state is second in the nation in per-capita agricultural exports. But to reach our full economic potential, we must also grow our capacity to make and export more non-agricultural products. Today, South Dakota ranks 47th in non-agricultural exports—and this segment represents a smaller share of our GDP per capita than in peer states. That’s an opportunity we intend to seize while doubling down on agriculture exports.

Since becoming president and CEO of South Dakota Trade in May, I’ve been energized by the momentum building around international trade in our state. We have passionate leaders—both public and private—committed to addressing the national trade imbalance and placing South Dakota on the global map. As I write this, our team is returning from a trade mission to Israel led by Governor Larry Rhoden, a follow-up to our inaugural visit in November 2024. These missions are business-driven, and I’m proud to report sales pipelines are already filling up as a direct result.

Our next trade mission will take place this August, with stops in Ireland and the
United Kingdom. Businesses interested in participating should contact Rachael Weiland at rachael.weiland@southdakotatrade.com. Space is still available, and STEP grant funding may help your company access these new markets.

South Dakota is stepping into its full global potential. I hope your business will join us.