Montana International Trade Resources Quick Sheet
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products. It operates programs designed to build new markets and improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace.
It is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information about global supply and demand, trade trends, and market opportunities. FAS administers export financing and market development programs; provides export services; carries out food aid and market-related technical assistance programs; and provides linkages to world resources and international organizations.
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration.
U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists located in 107 U.S. cities and in more than 80 countries work with U.S. firms to help them get started in exporting or increase their sales to new global markets. USCS services include:
- World class market research
- Trade events that promote US products and services to qualified buyers
- Introductions to qualified buyers and distributors
- Export counseling and advocacy
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small business concerns, and seeks to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The mission objective of the SBA is to help Americans start, build and grow businesses.
SBA's Office of International Trade works to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace; facilitates access to capital to support international trade; ensures that the interests of small business are considered and reflected in trade negotiations; and supports and contribute to the U.S. Government's international agenda.
www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/internationaltrade/index.html
Montana Department of Commerce, Trade & International Relations Bureau
The Bureau provides information and technical and marketing assistance to help Montanans pursue business opportunities, both domestically and worldwide. Export trade and marketing specialists provide consultation and training for companies to successfully compete in new markets. The Bureau promotes Montana made products via an Online Products directory as well as a "Made in Montana" marketing initiative to identify and promote Montana products. It also offers a trade show assistance program.
Overseas trade offices are maintained in Taipei, Taiwan and Kumamoto, Japan to promote agriculture, tourism, value-added products, and higher education opportunities to markets in East Asia. The Bureau also serves as the protocol and international liaison for the Governor's Office and the Department of Commerce.
Export personnel assist companies that are export ready to exploit market opportunities abroad and in the identification of new markets. They also provides assistance on the mechanics of exporting, consultations, and training to assist Montanan's to successfully export their products and services to international markets.
The Tradeshow Assistance Program assists Montana based companies in exploring new domestic and international wholesale markets by encouraging first-time exhibition at new trade shows outside of the state. It is not only for companies new to trade show exhibition, but can also be used by established companies who are looking to exhibit at a show that they have not previously attended.
www.madeinmontanausa.com/tradeshowinfo.asp
Montana Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Development Division
The Agricultural Development Division (ADD) is responsible for administering programs directed at promoting and enhancing Montana agriculture. Within the Division are four bureaus, the Rural Development Bureau, the Wheat and Barley Bureau, the Agriculture Marketing and Business Development Bureau, and the Montana State Grain Laboratory Bureau.
The Montana Wheat and Barley Bureau is responsible for marketing, promoting and encouraging intensive scientific and practical research in all phases of wheat and barley culture and production under the guidelines and policies developed by the Wheat and Barley Committee.
The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) is a producer-funded and directed check-off organization for wheat and barley growers in the state. The mission of the MWBC is to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the industry by encouraging and promoting intensive, scientific, and practical research into all phases of the wheat and barley culture and production, marketing, and end-use and, further, to aid in the development of markets for wheat and barley grown in Montana.
The Agriculture Marketing & Business Development Bureau is responsible for market enhancement and development through direct market development activities, grants, seed capital loan investments in new and innovative products or process, marketing, and product development. Marketing and agri-business development personnel work closely with individuals and organizations to promote and enhance our agriculture industry.
Staff members assist exporters and those seeking international markets by providing access to federal financial assistance for international marketing, training on entering international markets, product promotion, regulatory assistance, and promotional efforts.
http://agr.mt.gov/business/busMktng.asp
Montana World Trade Center
The Montana World Trade Center (MWTC) works to increase international trade through public-private partnerships, business networking, and student education. Since its inception, MWTC has undertaken a dual role as consultant and advocate, assisting its member businesses to establish and strengthen international commercial capabilities, while striving to develop untapped international trade opportunities.
Basic Member Services & Benefits
- Access to over 300 World Trade Centers in almost 100 countries! This includes reciprocal visiting privileges at World Trade Centers around the globe with World Trade Center Association (WTCA) membership card, on-line access to WTCA website and on-line access to WTCA membership directory
- Export/Import readiness assessment
- Basic international business research and guidance
- Easy access to the Montana Export Assistance Center/ U.S. Commercial Services, co-located in MWTC's office
- Member website referals hosted on MWTC website
- Access to visiting trade experts and trade delegations
- Invitation to participate in all trade shows, international business training, trade missions, and activities organized by MWTC at exclusive membership rates.
- Assistance understanding development bank projects and EX-IM Bank programs
- E-Newsletter
- Access to the University of Montana’s state-of-the-art facilities and meeting rooms
- Mentoring services
- Annual social networking function
Specialized Services
- Customized market access strategies
- Business plan development
- Feasibility studies
- Development of sales/promotional literature
- Inventory planning, product pricing and supply chain management
- Sourcing strategies and connections
- Evaluation of international competitors
- Arranged contacts with government officials, media, trade groups, and potential clients
- Customized in-house training programs