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Take Your Business Global

The Virginia SBDC offers a wide variety of export assistance for small and medium sized businesses. From training programs and workshops to one- on-one counseling and customized programs: we have the expertise to help businesses start or expand their export operations. While there are no firm rules to determine whether your company should be exporting, a good rule of thumb is that your company be:
  • Established – in business for more than one year.
  • Profitable – already successfully selling a product or service domestically or internationally.
Companies that meet these minimum criteria qualify for the customized approach that has made the SBDC Network the first stop for small businesses.

Companies are also encouraged to apply for our signature Passport to Global Markets program.

To apply for the Passport to Global Markets program, fill out the application and send it to Aaron Miller via fax at 703-352-8515 or email amille2@gmu.edu

For all other inquiries or to become a client of the Virginia International Trade program please click here.

Pre-venture and startup companies are encouraged to contact your local SBDC office for assistance and check our calendar for upcoming workshops in your area. Most of our services are *FREE*

To learn more about exporting and the resources available, please visit www.export.gov

 

NOW is a Great Time to Start Exporting
  • The National Export Initiative (NEI) delivers unprecedented support for international trade with an emphasis on assistance for small businesses.
  • Lowered trade barriers and greater transparency as a result of free trade agreements with nearly 20 countries and strong WTO commitments.
  • 95% of the world's population resides outside the US. If you are not pursuing them, your competitors certainly are!
  • Many foreign markets are booming, and there is strong demand for quality US-made products and services.
  • Companies that export have faster annual growth and they are less likely to go out of business.

Other Upcoming Events and Workshops

(Unless otherwise noted, all workshops are free, and located at Mason Enterprise Center at 4031 University Drive, Fairfax, VA)

Please RSVP by email to Aaron Miller at amille2@gmu.edu

Topic: Assessing Your Export Readiness
Coming Soon

 Topic: International Market Research
  Coming Soon

Topic: Writing an Export Plan
Coming Soon
 
 

PASSPORT TO GLOBAL MARKETS
An Export Acceleration Program

An intensive 10-week program designed to accelerate entry and expansion into global markets by preparing selected companies for a market visit via one of our partner agencies.  
     
          

The program includes 3 nonconsecutive days of in-house training that combines panels, seminars, and individual counseling. You will work with legal experts, bankers, freight forwarders, and trade specialists to devise an international growth strategy customized to your company’s strengths.

Programs in 2013 are being held in:

Norfolk: January 31, February 28, March 28
Fairfax: February 7, February 21, April 4
Roanoke: April 25, May 9, June 13

Training on program days will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 
    All other training components will be conducted intermittently and at a time and place to be determined in consultation with the client and service providers.


    Click here for more information and click here to apply.

    The price for companies accepted into this competitive program is $350.


    Small Businesses, Large Exporters


    Many small businesses think that international trade is for big companies, that the challenges of going global are too daunting for small companies, that pursuing an export strategy would distract resources from their core business efforts, etc. To the contrary:     

    • 97% of all U.S. exporters are small businesses.
    • 42% of U.S. exporters had fewer than 19 employees.
    • 60% of these small businesses derive at least 20% of their annual earnings through exports.

     
    		 
    Updated 12/6/2012 2:44:59 PM | BJohnson


    U.S. Small Business Administration, George Mason University, and America's SBDC

    All programs of the Virginia SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.
    Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
    Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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