Exporting
Exporting goods is a great way to expand your business and take part in the global economy. In fact, data has shown that companies that do business internationally grow faster and fail less often than companies that don’t. Ready to get started? These resources can help.
LOCAL RESOURCES
Consider the Charlotte office of the U.S. Export Assistance Center your first stop. Among other things, they can:
- Provide Expert counseling,
- Provide Advice and advocacy,
- Produce research on overseas markets and industries,
- Help promote your product and service overseas,
- Find international partners for your firm, and
- Much more.
The Institute for Entrepreneurship periodically offers courses and seminars addressing the things businesses need to know about exporting and importing. View CPCC’s Current Class Schedule.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has compiled useful links for regional and country research, foreign exchange, international organizations and more.
From learning how to take advantage of US Export-Import Bank programs to general information to help you get started with exporting, the SBTDC has resources to help with international business.
Learn about international business opportunities in the Charlotte region.
Charlotte is home to a Foreign Trade Zone that serves as a catalyst for companies involved with international trade to improve their competitiveness and profitability.
EXPORT ASSISTANCE, RESEARCH & STATISTICS
The International Trade Division’s business development managers help North Carolina companies smooth their entry into worldwide markets with value-added services including preparing marketing plans, handling export operations, providing market research and more.
Export.gov can help you get started exporting with training and counseling programs; developing business export plans; conducting market research; finding foreign buyers and more.
Are you interested in expanding your business? The U.S. Commercial Service helps U.S. companies find new international business partners in worldwide markets and provides market and research tools and reports including country commercial guides.
Country Commercial Guides (CCG’s) are prepared annually by U.S. embassies with the assistance of several U.S. government agencies. These reports present a comprehensive look at countries’ commercial environments, using economic, political and market analysis. Check out an index of guides between 1996-2001.
‘Foreign Trade’ is the official source for U.S. export and import statistics and responsible for issuing regulations governing the reporting of all export shipments from the United States. If you’re searching for import or export statistics, information on export regulations, commodity classifications, or a host of other trade related topics, this is the place to get the information you need.
The U.S. Census Bureau provides international statistics to help you with your market research
Visit the SBA’s website for exporting and importing information you need to know, including information on federal financial assistance programs to help businesses expand or develop an export market, and to assist businesses that have been adversely affected by import competition.
Detailed information about countries of the world including political and economic aspects.
OPIC helps U.S. businesses invest overseas, fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment, and supports U.S. foreign policy.
Advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, early investment analysis, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment.
Export Financing
Small grants available to small and medium sized businesses to help connect with global markets through trade shows and overseas travel.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. In addition, Ex-Im Bank can help with market analysis, finding contacts in foreign markets and addressing administrative filing requirements as well as help navigate the process of opening international offices.
The SBA provides a number of loan programs specifically designed to help small businesses develop or expand their export activities.
EXPORT TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Export.gov provides webinars, webcasts, and other training and development opportunities for businesses seeking to learn more about exporting, international market research and more.
Ex-Im Bank provides webinars and other training modules on exporting topics, including those related to export financing.
The US Dept of Commerce BIS Office offers free on-line training on topics involving export controls.
The US Census Bureau provides training and webinars on export compliance and other related topics.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
This SBA guide will get you started on your journey into the global marketplace.
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