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A Small Business Guide to Exporting: Part 1 - Getting Started
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator
- Created: April 23, 2010, 6:48 am
- Updated: April 30, 2012, 6:59 pm
America's largest companies have been doing global business for decades. And with growth in global networks and communications, new markets have opened up for small business too. Since 2003, America's small business exports have grown about 80%. They now account for nearly $500 billion in annual sales.
Exporting represents an enormous opportunity for small business. 96% of the world's consumers live outside the U.S. representing some two thirds of the world's purchasing power. Exporting gives small businesses the opportunities to reach new markets, increase sales, maintain global competitiveness, and create jobs.
There are also socio-economic benefits for small businesses that embrace exporting, including better opportunities for employee advancement, a faster growth rate, and an 8.5% less likelihood of going out of business than other domestic businesses.
However, small business still represents only about 30% of export revenues, and more than half of small business exporters only ship to one country. And according to a recent Small Business Export Survey*, 40% of those businesses surveyed expressed concern about entering new overseas markets because they weren't sure where to start.
How can small businesses learn to know about how to take a business global?
While there are many resources on the Web related to international import and export trade, the best guide to exporting for small business comes from the U.S. government. The Small Business Administration offers a wealth of information to help small businesses break into the trade game. You can also refer to the governments Export.gov site, which helps businesses plan international sales strategies and avoid regulatory pitfalls.
Exporting Basics to Consider
Before you Start - Read this primer to help you assess your business' export readiness, understand what you need to know and consider before pursuing an international sales strategy, and, when you are ready, develop and implement your export strategy.
Commercializing your Product or Service for the Global Market - Get information on developing, marketing, and exporting your products here.
Trade Agreements - Find out about how your small business can benefit and comply with international trade agreements by country and industry here.
Finding Business Opportunities - If you are looking to bid on overseas contracts, grants or business opportunities, there are a few programs available to help you with your bid. These include the U.S Department of Commerce’s Advocacy Center and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
Export Controls and Licenses - Most export transactions do not require specific approval in the form of licenses from the U.S. government, although regulations regarding all exports must be followed. To determine whether a license is needed to export a particular commercial product or service, an exporter must first classify the item by identifying what is called an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) for the item. Several other federal agencies have specific export licensing requirements. For general information on export licensing and regulations, visit Export.gov - Regulations and Licenses.
Exporting of Technology - The exporting of technology has its own set of rules and regulations. Technology and Source Code Exports (Deemed Export Rule) answers frequently asked questions about exporting technology and source code.
Additional Articles on Exporting
- A Small Business Guide to Exporting: Part 2 - Getting Financing
- Interested in exporting your products? Use SBA's Export Business Planner
About the Author
Caron Beesley is a small business owner, a writer, and marketing communications consultant. Caron works with the SBA.gov team to promote essential government resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up, grow and succeed. Follow Caron on Twitter: @caronbeesleyContributors
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Comments
ozelders | Window Shopper | 9/5/2012 - 5:19 pm
clouttech | Performer | 8/3/2009 - 4:26 am
Caron_Beesley | Community Moderator | 7/26/2009 - 6:07 pm
slavun | Performer | 7/26/2009 - 6:03 pm
tradedisplay | Creator | 6/9/2009 - 4:40 pm
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