Case Study

NEET®SHEETS wins $9K in grants toward Latin America expansion with WTCSD’s support

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ServiceExport­/Logistics Consulting

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ServiceIntelligence­/Research

July 2026

NEET®SHEETS is a woman- and BIPOC-owned company focused on creating ergonomic bed linens that reduce repetitive motion and musculoskeletal damage among hospitality and healthcare workers.

COMPANY

CHALLENGE

As NEET®SHEETS sought to expand into Latin American markets, the company struggled to navigate a complex international regulatory environment while continuing to meet domestic demand. With a small team and limited capacity, NEET®SHEETS ultimately hoped to transition from opportunistic exporting and one-time international sales to a structured, scalable export strategy.

EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED

NEET®SHEETS applied to World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)’s MetroConnect program and was one of 15 companies accepted into the program’s eighth cohort in 2026.

As NEET®SHEETS aimed to expand to new markets, WTCSD provided valuable resources, including:

  • $5,000 MetroConnect grant, enabling NEET®SHEETS to research and identify priority Latin American and Caribbean distributors to engage.
  • STEP grant consulting to develop promotional materials for distributors.
  • Program workshops and events, including a global marketing and personal relations workshop, which guided development of the company’s marketing and international expansion strategy.

VALUE DERIVED

Following its initial $5,000 MetroConnect grant, which NEET®SHEETS used to identify priority markets and distributors in Latin America and the Caribbean, the company won a $3,824 STEP grant with the help of WTCSD’s international advisors.

NEET®SHEETS used the STEP grant to create international marketing materials in English and Spanish, strengthening its market-entry position and brand. The company also used the funding to create a promotional video and sample box for 10 distributors in Latin America with direct access to hotel buyers, logistics networks, and existing bedding and linen portfolios.

“The MetroConnect program and Export SBDC at WTCSD provided valuable guidance, resources, and connections that have prepared us well for international growth. From identifying new distributors to helping us secure a STEP grant, their support has strengthened our Latin America expansion strategy and positioned us for growth into future markets.”

—Ruth M. Young-Loaeza, Founder & CEO, NEET®SHEETS

Connect with NEET®SHEETS:

For more information and to learn more:

Sophia Antonopoulos
Sophia Antonopoulos

Manager, World Trade Center San Diego