Case Study

SIDUS Solutions strengthens brand in Europe, Asia with MetroConnect

ServiceExport/Logistics Consulting

ServiceMarketing/Visibility

San Diego-based SIDUS Solutions is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business that specializes in delivering surveillance and security solutions for defense, energy, and aquaculture companies. The company manufactures video system products that improve safety, efficiency, and ease of operation in challenging environments.

With 15 percent of its revenue derived from exports, but supply chain delays and canceled trade shows due to COVID-19, SIDUS needed to find new ways to connect with its international customers and retain revenue.

COMPANY

CHALLENGE

SIDUS Solutions faced challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented it from attending international trade shows to display its products to international customers. The company’s sales representatives in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Korea, New Zealand, Europe, and Canada struggled to sell its high-tech products with only a brochure.

WTCSD SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED

SIDUS applied to World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)’s export accelerator,  MetroConnect , and was one of 15 SMEs accepted into its fifth cohort.

MetroConnect connected SIDUS with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s Advocacy Center, which helped the company better understand the requirements and relationships it needed to win overseas government contracts.

Through MetroConnect’s executive workshops, SIDUS gained new knowledge of international customs and logistics, helping it avoid excess fees and remain cost competitive. The company also learned how to revamp its digital presence to communicate its solutions to specific overseas customers.

VALUE DERIVED

Equipped with expert logistics knowledge from MetroConnect workshops, new partners, access to critical tools, and a $5,000 grant, SIDUS translated its website and documents into five languages, and strengthened its social media presence to expand brand awareness and relationships in target overseas markets.

Leveraging its new digital brand and messaging, SIDUS also attended four virtual and five in-person trade shows, successfully engaging customers in Korea, the Netherlands, France, Singapore, Brazil, and Australia, and partnering with a new Australian sales representative.

As a top-performing company, SIDUS was deemed a finalist in the Grand Prize PitchFest, where the company competed for an additional $25,000 grant.

👋 Meet @Sidus_Solutions, a bluetech company offering a line of underwater lasers, cameras, lights, and more to improve operations in challenging environments 📡
Hear its pitch and cast your vote for your favorite #MetroConnectSD $25K prize finalist! 🗳️https://t.co/XZwwfuIFr1 pic.twitter.com/3jKOJ00mXz
— World Trade Center San Diego (@WTCSanDiego) November 17, 2021

“MetroConnect has truly helped SIDUS Solutions increase its global footprint. Through this program, we have established our presence in new international markets, including Korea and France. Thanks to our increased global presence, we have begun to see improvements in our global supply logistics and customer base.“

— Eddie Villalobos, Operations Manager, SIDUS Solutions