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How to locate assistance for exporting.

Is your small business ready to go global?

It may be an easier step than you think. Advances in technology can make worldwide commerce achievable for many small businesses, depending on the goods or services you offer. Do you need financial assistance? Do you need insurance? What kind of opportunities are available? How do I get market research? How do I find a foreign partner? How do I get paid? Should I use an attorney to set up agreements? Shipping questions?

The following agencies are available for assistance with your export or funding questions:

Export.gov - helping U.S. Companies export

This website will help you find the opportunities that are available by industry (from Aerospace to Used and Reconditioned Equipment) and by Country. Market Research, Trade Events, Trade Links and training including FREE webinars. Help with solutions to International Sales and Marketing, International Financing, International Logistics, Licenses and Regulations, Trade Data and Analysis and Trade Problems. 

Looking for a comprehensive overview of how to export?  Export.gov provides A Basic Guide to Exporting that has been the resource businesses have turned to for answers to their questions about how to establish and grow overseas markets for their products and services. Whether your firm is new to exporting or in need of a refresher on the latest ideas and techniques, this comprehensive on-line guide provides the nuts-and-bolts information you need to meet the challenges of the world economy by learning:

  • How to identify markets for your company’s products
  • How to finance your export transactions
  • The best methods of handling orders and shipments
  • Sources of free or low-cost export counseling

SBA U.S. Export Assistance Centers

If you're ready to explore the possibilities and challenges of exporting, U.S. Export Assistance Centers provide the help you need. These centers are located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

Each U.S. Export Assistance Center is staffed by professionals from the SBA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and other public and private organizations. Together, their mission is to provide the help you need to compete in today's global marketplace. Your local U.S. Export Assistance Center is your one-stop shop, designed to provide export assistance for your small- or medium-sized business. These representatives are available to help you with all of you SBA export financing needs.

Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank)

Global Access for Small Business is a top priority of EXIM Bank. This initiative is dedicated to dramatically increasing the number of small businesses exporting goods and services to maintain and create U.S. jobs. Global Access is being supported by a wide variety of business, financial and government partners.  In 2011, the initiative was launched by Chairman and President Fred. P. Hochberg with the Commerce Department, U.S. Trade Representative, Small Business Administration, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, and several lenders.

View the export credit products. Learn how to begin exporting with the support of federal and state trade development agencies. Do you already use EXIM Bank products? Need contact information for EXIM Bank? Want to apply online or check the Country Limitation Schedule?  Visit their website for resources and assistance.

International Trade Administration

The International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. The ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad. The ITA supports the Presidential recovery agenda and the National Export Initiative to sustain economic growth and support American jobs.

The ITA is organized into four distinct but complementary business units:

  • U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service — Promotes U.S. exports, particularly by small and medium-sized enterprises, and provides commercial diplomacy support for U.S. business interests around the world.
  • Manufacturing and Services — Strengthens U.S. competitiveness abroad by helping shape industry-specific trade policy.
  • Market Access and Compliance — Assists U.S. companies and helps create trade opportunities through the removal of market access barriers.
  • Import Administration — Enforces U.S. trade laws and agreements to prevent unfairly traded imports and to safeguard the competitive strength of U.S. businesses.