State International Development Organizations (SIDO)

What State International Development Organizations (SIDO) does

State International Development Organizations (SIDO) is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit membership organization serving the 50 U.S. state international trade agencies and, by extension, the governors whose trade agendas those agencies execute. Founded circa 2000 and operating as an affiliate of The Council of State Governments (CSG), SIDO functions as the only national organization dedicated to coordinating between state trade agencies and the federal government on international trade promotion and investment attraction. The organization employs 1-10 staff (core team: Executive Director Andy Karellas and International Program Specialist Tina Salisbury).

SIDO's product portfolio is organized around four pillars: (1) the Accessing International Markets (AIM) Program, a curated marketplace where members procure market research, trade event services, and in-market support from vetted international vendors; (2) tiered professional development training, including New-to-Export Training for SMBs ($1,800), Level 1 Trade Specialist Training for new practitioners ($2,100), and Level 2 Trade Specialist Training for experienced practitioners ($2,500); (3) trade promotion services including Made in the USA Pavilions at global trade shows and organized trade missions; and (4) member resources including the State Trade Directory, member surveys, and federal partner linkages. Federal agency partnerships with SBA, ITA, USDA, SelectUSA, and USTR are central to service delivery.

SIDO's revenue model combines annual membership dues from 50 state trade agencies, recurring training program fees, conference and event registration, and strategic partner sponsorships from a network of trade services firms. Distribution is event-driven and community-led, centered on biennial conferences (Washington Leadership Forum, Best Practices & Training Conference), trade shows, trade missions, and federal partner cross-promotion. Geographic reach spans all 50 U.S. states plus international markets across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East through vendor partnerships.

Name

State International Development Organizations (SIDO)

Legal name

The State International Development Organizations, Inc.

Website

https://sidoamerica.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

State International Development Organizations (SIDO) is a non-profit membership organization serving all 50 U.S. state trade agencies through training programs, trade shows, trade missions, and the AIM international market services platform, with affiliate status to The Council of State Governments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Trade Promotion Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

Trade Facilitation, Customs & Border Regulatory Cooperation (BPADANAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trade Compliance (Import/Export Controls, Customs) (EDABADAK), Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation (BPADANAD), Supply Chain, Logistics & Procurement Certifications (EDAAANAK)

Keywords

• International trade promotion
• Trade specialist training
• Export assistance services
• State trade agency support
• Trade mission organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Annual membership for state trade agencies and organizations
2. Training programs: Professional development training for trade specialists including Level 1 ($2,100), Level 2 ($2,500), and New to Export training ($1,800)
3. Conference and event fees: Registration fees for conferences, trade shows, and trade missions
4. Sponsorships: Strategic partnership and sponsorship opportunities for investor prospectus supporters

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SIDO is a non-profit membership organization that supports the 50 U.S. state international trade agencies through professional training programs (New to Export, Level 1, Level 2), the AIM (Accessing International Markets) vendor platform, organized trade missions, Made in USA Pavilions at global trade shows, and biennial leadership and best-practices conferences. It serves as the formal bridge between state trade offices, federal trade partners, and vetted international trade service vendors, funded primarily through membership dues, training fees, sponsorships, and event registrations.

Product overview

SIDO operates as a platform of interconnected programs and services supporting U.S. state-level international trade promotion. The core offerings include: the AIM (Accessing International Markets) Program, which provides a curated marketplace of international trade services through vetted vendors; professional development training at three levels (New to Export for small businesses, Level 1 for new practitioners, Level 2 for experienced practitioners); trade promotion services including Made in the USA Pavilions at global trade shows and organized trade missions; a State Trade Directory connecting to all 50 state trade agencies; and member resources including surveys and federal partner data. The AIM Program serves as the central service coordination platform, while training programs and events build practitioner capabilities and facilitate networking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AIM Program: Accessing International Markets (AIM) Program - an international market access platform providing consultancy services, international partner searches and research, and in-market support services for exporters and trade professionals.
• New to Export Training
• Level 1 Trade Specialist Training
• Level 2 Trade Specialist Training

Products and services

• Level 2 Trade Specialist Training Intermediate-level training program for trade practitioners with 3-4 years of experience. Covers Counseling Exporters, Resources and Best Practices, Understanding Export Growth Strategy, Sales Channels, Global Marketing, and Export Mechanics (Compliance, Logistics, Finance, Legal). Delivered via virtual sessions and in-person at the Best Practices Conference, culminating in a certificate.
• Level 1 Trade Specialist Training Foundational training program for practitioners new to their role in international trade. Covers the Trade Ecosystem, Economic Development, Responsibilities and Performance, and Client Pipeline development, culminating in a Capstone Project. Includes virtual sessions, 2 days of in-person training at the Best Practices Conference, course materials, and conference registration.
• New to Export Training Training program for small and medium-sized businesses looking to begin exporting. Provides expert advice, guidance, and resources to develop a strategy and plan to begin selling abroad. Includes Organizational Export Readiness Assessment, Target Market identification, Export Compliance overview, and Export Plan development. Delivered as 10 hours of training over 4 weeks with an assigned coach, training platform access, and a resource guide; additional services (counseling, export plan writing, market research) available for purchase. STEP Grant reimbursement may be available for eligible small businesses.
• AIM (Accessing International Markets) Program International market access platform providing a curated suite of services including consultancy services, international partner searches and research, and in-market support services. Members select services and vendors based on international market preferences, with SIDO coordinating work and deliverables. Vendors are vetted international trade service providers across more than 200 markets.
• Made in the USA Pavilions at Global Trade Shows SIDO collaborates with exhibitor services partners to host 'Made in the USA' Pavilions at premier industry trade events worldwide to advance trade opportunities for U.S. businesses. Past and planned venues include CES, Hannover Messe, Dubai Air Show, Paris Air Show, and DEFEA (Athens).
• International Trade Missions Organized international trade missions connecting U.S. businesses to buyers in key global markets, with documented missions to Greece, Italy, Canada, Mexico, India, and Japan. Missions are coordinated by SIDO with on-the-ground support from regional partners.
• Washington Leadership Forum High-profile leadership forum bringing together U.S. trade directors and top federal and international officials for discussions on critical trade policy and legislative issues, providing unique networking opportunities and access to government decision-makers.
• Best Practices & Training Conference SIDO's largest gathering of state-level trade officials, convening state trade directors and international trade experts to exchange ideas, discuss strategies and best practices, and enhance collaboration around promoting U.S. exports and attracting foreign investment. Held biennially; the 2026 edition is planned for Lexington, KY.

Quantifiable outcome

• Georgia's International Trade team earned 'E Star Award' for Excellence in Export Services from U.S. Department of Commerce (unprecedented fourth time)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IBG Global LLCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIBG Global develops and executes successful market entry and international growth strategies through matchmaking, partner sourcing, direct representation, site location, and investment assistance. With 21 partners worldwide, staffing 62 locations serving over 200 markets.
• WISERTradecoreTechnology or IntegrationTrusted source for comprehensive international trade data and analytics for market intelligence. Provides powerful, easy to use platform and concierge service for trade data.
• CIDEP ConsultantscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports economic development, trade organizations and corporations in attracting global investments and trade opportunities. Serving North American & European Economic Development Organizations for 15 years.
• OCO GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology enabled advisory firm focused on trade, investment and economic development. Headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland with 12 offices worldwide including London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris, New York, Dubai, Beijing, and Shanghai.
• Kallman WorldwidecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier full-service trade show partner, supporting thousands of exhibitors and stakeholders at over 40 global events. Helps unlock new opportunities and facilitate meaningful connections across borders.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)coreOthersFederal agency partner providing STEP Grant Program for small business export assistance reimbursement.
• International Trade Administration (ITA)coreOthersFederal partner for trade and export promotion resources and data.
• USDAminorOthersFederal partner for agricultural trade and export resources.
• SelectUSAcoreOthersFederal investment attraction program and partner.
• United States Trade Representative (USTR)coreOthersFederal trade policy partner for trade agenda coordination.
• The Council of State Governments (CSG)coreOthersSIDO is an affiliate of CSG, providing organizational backing and connection to state government networks.
• Grow Trade Consulting Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanadian export assistance provider established November 2004. Team of 8 consultants with extensive trade and private sector experience navigating Canadian market.
• IntralinkminorGTM or Marketing Partner34 years in business providing North American and European companies with market evaluation, research, and in-market support for Asia Pacific region (China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan). 133 global bilingual staff in 6 Asian offices.
• ieTeam GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConsulting firm created in 2011 focused on international trade, strategy, people, innovation, technology, and startups. Headquartered in Spain with offices in France, Germany, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and international network in 20+ countries.
• NeighborsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUS and Mexican nationals based in Mexico with network in US, Chile, Brazil. Since 2013, helped over 600 companies penetrate new markets in the Americas.
• PM & Partner Marketing Consulting GmbH (PM&P)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndependent consulting and market research firm operating internationally since 1974. Offices in Frankfurt and Chicago providing strategic marketing and business development support.
• Otelo InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal business development firm founded in 2015 in Mexico with expansion into Europe. Key hubs in Mexico City and Madrid bridging American and European markets.
• River GlobalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational marketing and consulting firm specializing in Latin American markets. Teams in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru with focus on Agricultural marketing, Food and Beverage, Animal Feed, Pet Food, Hospitality, and FDI.
• Source of AsiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading business accelerator specializing in Southeast Asia and South Korea markets since 2007. 70+ experts helping customers explore and grow business in Vietnam, ASEAN, and South Korea.
• Valians InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConsulting company for Central and Eastern European markets (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine). Over 30 years experience, 40+ project managers, 900+ clients including SMEs, EDOs, and Trade organizations.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• SelectUSA: SelectUSA is the U.S. federal investment attraction program and SIDO's federal partner for foreign direct investment promotion — comparable in foreign investment mission and a key referral channel for SIDO's investor member services.
• International Trade Administration (ITA): ITA is a federal partner of SIDO that provides trade and export promotion resources and data. It is an ecosystem participant rather than a competitor, but comparable in mission to support U.S. exporters globally.

Direct peers

• National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA): NC-SARA is a membership-based interstate coordination body for state-regulated activity, comparable in operating model to SIDO as a non-profit membership organization serving all U.S. states with federal/state coordination roles.
• NASBITE International: NASBITE is the leading U.S. professional association for global trade practitioners, offering the CGBP certification. It directly overlaps SIDO's training and practitioner development mission for trade specialists.
• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA): NASDA is a membership organization representing state agriculture departments that similarly bridges state-federal coordination and runs training, conferences, and trade promotion programs — directly analogous to SIDO's model but focused on agricultural trade.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The U.S. Chamber is a much larger national business association that, like SIDO, advocates for export promotion and trade policy and convenes member events; it competes for the same federal partner attention and exporter audience at broader scale.
• The Council of State Governments: CSG is SIDO's parent affiliate and the broader umbrella organization for all state-government policy coordination. Comparable because it serves as the institutional backbone SIDO leverages for state-government access and convening authority.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): NAM is a large manufacturing trade association that runs export promotion, trade shows, and policy advocacy — comparable to SIDO's Made in USA Pavilions and trade mission offerings, but at a broader industry level.
• National Governors Association (NGA): NGA is a bipartisan membership organization of U.S. governors that convenes state leaders on policy issues including international trade — comparable in state-government convening role to SIDO's niche trade focus.

Emerging players

• District Export Council (DEC) network: DECs are volunteer organizations appointed by the Commerce Department to support U.S. exporters at the local level — an adjacent ecosystem to SIDO's state-level trade agency network with overlapping exporter-support services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/state-international-development-organizations-sido

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about State International Development Organizations (SIDO)