Case Study
DeepWater Exploration awarded $11K+ in STEP grants with WTCSD’s support
ServiceEconomic Incentive Consulting
ServiceExport/Logistics Consulting
December 2025
DeepWater Exploration (DWE) is a San Diego-based company developing cutting-edge subsea computer vision and sensing technologies that advance autonomy in the maritime industry.
As DWE expanded into global sales, it strategically navigated international market-entry resources and secured the right incentives to accelerate export growth.
COMPANY
DEEPWATER EXPLORATION’S CHALLENGE
As DWE continued to grow and enter new international markets, the company collaborated with World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) to identify the right export resources to fuel its global strategy. DWE prioritized leveraging trade shows, foreign partner searches, and marketing channels to reach customers in competitive target markets such as Japan and Northern Europe.
EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED
As the Export Small Business Development Center, WTCSD provided hands-on advising to help DWE align its export strategy with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to become a competitive grant applicant. WTCSD worked closely with the DWE team to identify eligible expenses, prepare compelling grant application materials, and align activities across multiple rounds of funding.
Leveraging its trade and investment network, WTCSD also guided DWE’s participation in major industry events, worked with the U.S. Commercial Service to coordinate an International Partner Search in Japan, and supported the company in developing localized marketing materials. This structured approach enabled DWE to maximize STEP resources while advancing targeted outreach in high-priority markets.
VALUE DERIVED
With WTCSD’s support, DWE secured three STEP grants totaling more than $11,000 in export funding.
These awards strengthened the company’s global presence through activities such as:
- Exhibiting at the International WorkBoat Show, where DWE connected with many international companies
- Launching targeted maritime technology advertisements reaching thousands of companies
- Strengthening traction in Japan through the International Partner Search
“WTCSD and Export SBDC’s hands-on STEP grant advising with Simona Racek was instrumental in helping us secure the grants and expand our international reach. Their guidance and network facilitated many strong partnerships and opportunities that continue to benefit DWE to this day.”
—Jake Johnson, Marketing & Application Engineer, Deep Water Exploration