New site: Six steps to exporting success

WASHINGTON, D.C.
November 21, 2010 9:34pm

Small businesses interested in exporting now have a new online tool developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration to help them tap into the global marketplace to grow their business.

The website, www.export.gov/begin, is the latest tool in the National Export Initiative toolbox to help entrepreneurs begin exporting.

The six-step process begins with a self-assessment to help potential exporters gauge their readiness to successfully engage in international trade. The self-assessment is followed by sections on training and counseling programs; resources to create an export business plan; information on conducting market research; assistance for finding foreign buyers; and investigating financing for your small business exports, foreign investments or projects.

Upon completing the self-assessment, businesses receive a score indicating their level of readiness. Based on the score, additional resources are identified to fit their specific needs, including SBA and its nationwide resource partners SCORE and Small Business Development Centers, as well as Commerce’s U.S. Export Assistance Centers, which provide individualized support.

“Connecting America’s entrepreneurs and small businesses with new buyers and new markets abroad will help create jobs and spur sustainable economic growth,” says U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

“With nearly 96 percent of the world’s customers living outside the United States and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power in foreign countries, tapping into opportunities in the global market makes perfect sense and is more attainable than ever for small business owners,” saus SBA Administrator Karen Mills.

So far this year, U.S. exports have increased nearly 18 percent compared to the same period in 2009.