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Trade Mission to Mexico City

The 2026 OCIE SBDC Trade Mission to Mexico City is your opportunity to explore one of North America’s most important business and trade markets while building strategic connections with government officials, business organizations, and potential international partners.

Grow Your Business and
Gain Global Insights

Organized by the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network in collaboration with Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics and the Mexican Consulate, this trade mission is designed to help California-based companies expand their global trade opportunities, explore market entry strategies, and develop meaningful business relationships in Mexico. 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Travel Dates:
November 2 – 8, 2026

Core Trade Mission Programming: 
Wednesday, November 4 through Friday, November 6, 2026 

Cultural and Delegation Activities: 
November 3 and November 7, 2026

This mission is expected to include up to 15–18 participants, including business owners, company representatives, and economic development partners from the Orange County Inland Empire region. 

APPLY FOR THE 2026 OCIE SBDC TRADE MISSION

Grow Your Business and Gain Global Insights

Mexico City is a major economic, political, and cultural hub, offering California companies an important gateway to business opportunities throughout Mexico and Latin America. Through this trade mission, participating companies will have the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, better understand the local business environment, and explore new pathways for international growth. 

The trade mission will feature various delegation activities, including strategic introductions, business-to-business matchmaking, and engagement with business and government leaders in Mexico City.

This mission will focus on priority industries identified through planning discussions, including:

Opportunities for companies developing medical devices, health technologies, diagnostics, equipment, and related solutions. 

Opportunities for companies developing software, digital platforms, AI-enabled tools, cybersecurity solutions, cloud-based services, fintech, logistics technology, and other technology-driven products or services.

Opportunities for companies involved in agricultural technology, food systems, equipment, processing, and value-added agricultural products. 

Opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and service companies connected to Mexico’s advanced manufacturing and supply chain sectors. 

Opportunities for companies in pharmaceutical products, life sciences, research, distribution, and related healthcare supply chains. 

Apply today and plan to embark on an exciting international trade journey that can shape the future of your business.

Please note: The application will remain open until Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 11 p.m. Only fifteen (15) participants will be accepted. 

Develop Your Business in Mexico

By participating in the OCIE SBDC Trade Mission to Mexico City, your company will gain access to a carefully coordinated international business development experience designed to support market exploration, relationship-building, and export readiness. 

Mexico City offers a unique environment for California companies because of its proximity to the United States, strong commercial ties, and concentration of government agencies, business organizations, industry leaders, and international companies. 

  • Meet with government officials and trade representatives 
  • Engage with Mexican business organizations and industry leaders 
  • Participate in B2B matchmaking meetings 
  • Explore opportunities in priority industry sectors 
  • Build relationships with potential buyers, partners, distributors, and collaborators 
  • Gain firsthand insight into Mexico’s business culture and market opportunities 

This mission is designed for companies that are ready to explore international opportunities and want to better understand how to grow through trade, partnerships, and market expansion in Mexico. 

Benefits for Participating Companies

Companies selected to participate in the OCIE SBDC Trade Mission to Mexico City will receive access to valuable preparation, resources, and support before and during the mission. Prior to the mission, participating businesses may benefit from:

Prior to the mission, your business will benefit from:

The OCIE SBDC Global Trade team will provide support to help participating companies better understand the Mexican market, identify potential opportunities, and prepare for productive business meetings. 

Participants will have access to personalized export counseling from the SBDC Global Trade team. Our OCIE SBDC Global Trade team of consultants will help companies prepare for the mission, review export readiness, and discuss market-entry considerations. 

Selected participants will receive guidance and preparation to help them navigate international business meetings, cultural considerations, market expectations, and follow-up strategies. 

The mission is expected to include meetings with government officials, business organizations, industry partners, and other key stakeholders in Mexico City. 

Participating companies will have the opportunity to engage in targeted B2B matchmaking designed to support business development conversations with potential partners, buyers, distributors, or collaborators. 

Note: Pre-trade mission consulting, training, and business preparation resources provided by the OCIE SBDC will be available at no cost to selected participating businesses. 

Selected applicants will be responsible for covering associated financial costs, including travel, lodging, meals, and other related expenses. Additional details regarding estimated costs, travel arrangements, preparation sessions, and final itinerary will be provided to selected participants.

Itinerary and Application Process

  • November 2 — Travel to Mexico City

    • Depart from Southern California and arrive in Mexico City. Participants will prepare for a week of business development, networking, and cultural exchange. 

  • November 3 — Cultural and Delegation Day 
    • Participate in cultural activities and delegation orientation designed to provide context for doing business in Mexico and building relationships in Mexico City.
  • November 4 — Business and Government Engagement 

    • Begin core trade mission programming with meetings involving government officials, trade representatives, and business organizations. 

  • November 5 — Industry meetings and B2B Matchmaking 
    • Participate in sector-focused meetings and B2B matchmaking opportunities aligned with the mission’s priority industries, including medical technology, agriculture, automotive/aerospace, and pharmaceuticals.
  • November 6 — Business Organization Meetings and Strategic Connections 

    • Continue trade mission programming with additional business meetings, industry engagement, and strategic networking opportunities. 

  • November 7 — Cultural and Delegation Day 

    • Experience Mexico City through cultural programming and delegation activities designed to deepen understanding of the market, community, and business environment. 

  • November 8 — Return Travel 

    • Return to Southern California with new connections, market insights, and potential international business opportunities.

  •  

Note: Itinerary details are subject to change as meetings, site visits, matchmaking sessions, and delegation activities are finalized.

Applications will open soon for companies interested in joining the OCIE SBDC Trade Mission to Mexico City. The mission is expected to include 15–18 participants, including selected companies and economic development partners from the region. Space will be limited, and selected participants should be prepared to actively participate in pre-mission preparation, scheduled meetings, matchmaking opportunities, and delegation activities. Selected companies will receive additional information regarding travel arrangements, estimated costs, preparation sessions, and participation requirements. 

August 15, 2026: Application Closes 

August 21, 2026: Selection Notification 

September 14, 2026: Pre-Mission Preparation Begins

APPLY FOR THE 2026 OCIE SBDC TRADE MISSION

This is your opportunity to explore Mexico City as a strategic market, build international connections, and position your business for global growth.

To learn more or for questions, contact Manal Richa, director, OCIE SBDC Global Trade Center, at Manal.Richa@ociesbdc.org or call 949-379-7221.

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OCIE SBDC 2026 Trade Mission

Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.

Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.