Finding International Opportunities International business can be an important strategic option for small businesses. It can open many new doors for success, and the programs that are most likely to succeed are those that are well thought through and planned for the long-term. The International Trade Administration (and other US Department of Commerce resources), the US Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation provide a variety of support for companies seeking international opportunities. US Commercial Service (DOC)
The US Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the International Trade Administration. Trade professionals can be found in more than 100 US cities and in nearly 80 countries help US companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new markets. US Commercial Service services include Market Intelligence, Trade Counseling, Business Matchmaking services, and Trade Advocacy to level the international playing field for international procurement. Manufacturing and Services (DOC)
The Manufacturing and Services (MAS) unit of the International Trade Administration is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of US industry, expanding its market access, and increasing its exports. MAS industry experts and economists perform strategic research and analysis in order to shape and implement trade policy, create conditions that encourage innovation, lower the cost of doing business, and promote US economic growth. Export.gov (DOC)
The US Department of Commerce strives to support exports abroad. The National Export Initiative (NEI) is an initiative to improve conditions that directly affect the private sector's ability to export. Among the resources to be found is an online tool at www.export.gov/begin to help entrepreneurs and small business owners learn the ins and outs of exporting. Businesses can take a self-assessment to begin the six-step process and gauge their readiness to export. The 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 export financing. The self-assessment also directs businesses to individualized local support centers. BuyUSA.gov (DOC)
The US Commercial Service helps US companies find new international business partners in worldwide markets. It also can help foreign firms find US suppliers of products and services. InvestAmerica.gov (DOC)
Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a major role in the United States economy as an important source of innovation, exports and jobs. Invest in America® is a program of the International Trade Administration and is the primary US Government mechanism to manage foreign direct investment promotion. Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank)
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank assists in financing the export of US goods and services to international markets. Ex-Im Bank’s small business portal highlights how the bank helps small businesses increase export sales and expand into new markets. Ex-Im Bank provides working capital guarantees (pre-export financing); export credit insurance; and loan guarantees and direct loans (buyer financing). Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is an agency of the US government with the mission of helping US businesses invest overseas, foster economic development in new and emerging markets, complementing the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment, and supporting US foreign policy. OPIC assists US companies by providing financing (from large structured finance to small business loans), political risk insurance, and investment funds. |