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SBA training
Your local SBA office can help you develop a training plan to increase your export readiness based on your goals. Part of this process is making sure your company is healthy, ready to scale, and that you have a plan in place. Find your SBA district office or business counseling center to connect with local experts on international trade.
SBA’s Office of Manufacturing and Trade provides in-person and virtual training on export-related topics. These topics include how to find international customers, E-Commerce, and more. Stay updated on upcoming events by signing up for our mailing list and following LinkedIn announcements.
SBA offices and Small Business Development Center networks contain international trade certified counselors to advise U.S. small businesses on growing exports. Your local SBA export finance manager provides no-cost advice on how to use SBA financing to support international sales.
Other federal training highlights
Outside of SBA, the International Trade Administration provides videos on How to Export. They also have an international eCommerce series. General information on trade finance and insurance is available using the ITA's Trade Finance Guide.
Your local U.S. Export Assistance Center can also help connect you to upcoming local trainings. Some U.S. Agencies specifically address trade compliance. For example, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Trade Relations team hosts training events on the topic. To learn about their upcoming events, visit Stakeholder Engagement. The Bureau of Industry and Security has also created training videos on export controls.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) provides free self-assessment tools to help businesses strengthen their global supply chains. These voluntary resources can help American companies spot potential risks tied to unfair trade practices, safeguard valuable brand reputations, and stay competitive in global markets. Self-assessment tools include LaborShield, SourcingStrong, ImportWatch, and SupplyChainTrace.
Food and beverage companies can find training through USDA State Regional Trade Groups.
Other trade training resources
Many SBA small business counselors may also recommend use of state-level and non-governmental training programs. You can discuss paid and no-cost programs based on your training needs during the business counseling process.
Export-U provides webinar trainings such as Are You Ready to Export?, Documents and Forms, and Payment Terms. With all third-party information, it is necessary to cross-check official federal regulations.