|
Nearly 96% of consumers live outside the U.S., and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries. If you’re a small business owner, here’s how to work with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for your trade needs. It may be easier to expand your market than you think. Even small businesses can get into exporting with the help of mentors and modern technology.
This month, we are hosting two webinars focusing on international trade to help you get started:
Developing an Export Strategy | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
Learn the steps to creating an export strategy so your business has a clear path to growth.
Mexico: Opportunities & Support for Exporting | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
Doing Business in Mexico – Learn about industry opportunities in the Mexican market for your business to start / grow international sales.
Many small business owners don’t realize foreign sales opportunities are well within reach. To reach them, all you need to do is take advantage of federal programs designed to build the bridge to new markets.
The STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011. Through awards to U.S. states and territories, STEP helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets.
STEP financial support helps U.S. small businesses:
- Learn to export
- Participate in foreign trade missions
- Design international marketing products and campaigns
- Support website globalization and e-commerce capabilities
- Pay for subscription services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal agencies
- Participate in export trade show exhibits and training workshops
Contact your local state or territory to find out how they can help you start or expand your business to reach global customers with the help of a STEP grant.
Export Finance Programs
Most U.S. banks view loans for exporters as risky. This makes it harder for you to get loans for things like day-to-day operations, advance orders with suppliers and refinancing existing debts. That’s why SBA created export finance programs to provide lenders with up to a 90% guaranty on export loans.
Find a list of participating export lenders.
SBA’s Office of International Trade provides information on its Trade Tools for International Sales page to help small businesses explore opportunities in other markets. Learn about U.S. trade agreements, find information on regulations and laws, and explore programs and services for small businesses who want to go global.
Check out our new Events Listing here:
Whether you need assistance writing a new plan or reviewing or updating an existing plan, connect with a local SBA Resource Partner for help!
Follow us on Twitter @SBA_Buffalo
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality for millions of Americans. As the only go-to resource and voice for small business backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. The SBA delivers services through an extensive network of field offices, located throughout ten different regions of the country.
|
