You’re not too small to go global. International sales opportunities are within reach for small business owners. The overwhelming majority of global consumers live beyond U.S. borders, representing a big opportunity to sell products and services to new markets. Businesses that go global through exporting are more likely to increase their bottom lines, expand their footprints, grow at higher rates, and employ more people. Selling internationally can also help protect your bottom line from the ebbs and flows of one domestic market, while diversifying your customer base.
This World Trade Month, the SBA invites you to explore the federal programs and resources that are designed to help you not only break into the international marketplace, but also excel once you get there.
- SBA Office of International Trade (OIT): Going global with your business starts at the SBA’s Office of International Trade. Along with other federal government agencies, OIT provides tools, services, advocacy, and counseling. Visit OIT’s website for small businesses interested in international trade. Contact OIT's toll-free trade hotline at 855-722-4877 or international@sba.gov.
- Export Finance Programs: SBA reduces lender risk through the export finance programs, making capital for international sales efforts more accessible. In fact, just last year the SBA guaranteed $423 million in financing to small business exporters that supported more than $1.6 billion in export sales.
- State Trade Expansion Program (STEP): For more than a decade, the STEP program has made it possible for thousands of small businesses to obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace. STEP financial support helps small businesses learn about exporting, design international marketing products, participate in trade show exhibits, training workshops, and more.
- U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEACs): With locations across the country, USEACs help entrepreneurs learn about exporting from public- and private-sector experts. Find an USEAC near you.
- Reach out to your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC): SBDCs can help in all aspects of small business ownership, including exporting. SBDC advisors offer their clients free or low-cost training services at nearly 1,000 centers across the country. Find an SBDC near you.
Expand your business through exporting and connect with SBA resources today at sba.gov/exporting.