#SMEExportersInTheKnow Series

6/2/2017

Resources for the Small Business Exporter

Interested in expanding your small business into exporting? These resources are a great way to learn more about international trade and get started.

Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA specializes in assisting small businesses in launching a business, writing a business plan, understanding laws and regulations, and exporting internationally. They offer an Export Business Planner tool useful for SMEs who are exploring exporting, export loan information specific to the SME exporter, and additional training tools and resources to getting started in exporting.
US Commercial Service: The US Commercial Service is part of the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and has offices around the world that assist US exporters in navigating country regulations and understand a country’s market. They offer the US Country Commercial Guides which contain information on market challenges and opportunities, political and economic environment, how to sell US products and services, leading sectors for investment, trade and customs regulations, trade financing, and much more. The also host the FTA Tariff Tool, which allows users to look up estimated tariff rates on their products with US FTA partners.
US Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS): If you specialize in agricultural and food products, the US Department of Agriculture’s FAS is a good resource to understand a country’s agricultural market, regulations, and barriers to entry. FAS has 93 offices around the world covering 171 countries, and advocate on behalf of US exporter interests in the agriculture. They also provide sector-specific market research through their Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) reports as well as import, export, supply, and consumption data through their Global Agriculture Trade System Online (GATS) and Production, Supply and Distribution (PSD) databases.
Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) – EXIM is the official export credit agency of the United States and assists in financing and facilitating US exports in areas where the private sector does not offer financing options. Services include export credit insurance, loan guarantees, direct loans, and other financial products. EXIM also provides services and training tools to SME exporters, such as webinars and exporter forums to help inform on SME financing options.
Small Business Exporters Association of the United States (SBEA): The SBEA is the international trade arm of the National Small Business Association (NSBA). They work to influence pro-small-business policies that will help make exporting a more viable option for SMEs. They offer case studies, exporting and SME news updates, access to events and briefings, and lobbying efforts for members. The SBEA also conducts an annual Small Business Exporting Survey which identifies trends in the industry as well as the biggest barriers to the SME.

Disclaimer: TradeMoves is not affiliated with these organizations or tools. Content is provided for informational purposes only.
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Chelsea Hamati
[email protected]
240.389.9003