Export Assistance Centers
U.S. Commercial Service: Exporters can use a network of export and industry specialists located in more than 100 U.S. cities and more than 80 countries worldwide. These trade professionals provide counseling and a variety of services to assist small and medium-sized U.S. businesses export their products and services. Guiding U.S. exporters through the export process from beginning to end, these professionals help to develop an effective international sales strategy, identify and comply with applicable laws and regulations, fulfill documentation requirements, and overcome trade problems.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Find business experts who can help you with exporting or other areas of entrepreneurship to help your business start and grow. SBA offices serve every state and territory. In addition take advantage of more than 850 Small Business Development Centers, 380 chapters of SCORE (a resource partner with SBA that has more than 13,000 volunteer counselors and trainers of small businesses), and 110 Women’s Business Centers. SBA also has a senior international trade and finance specialist co-located with U.S. Commercial Service professionals in 18 of the 109 U.S. Export Assistance Centers.
RE&EE exports in action
Here are some examples of how specialists in Export Assistance Centers can help U.S. RE&EE exporters:
- Approximately 40 companies attended a June 2010 seminar, “Exporting Environmental and Renewable Energy Services,” organized by the U.S. Commercial Service office in Northern Virginia. The audience included new-to-export and experienced exporters. Presentations from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and other agencies highlighted the many programs and resources available for RE&EE exporters. The Northern Virginia office has followed up with several of the attendees to help them target new markets.
- The Massachusetts Export Center, which is part of the Small Business Development Center network, identified potential partners for Solar One Solutions of Framingham before representatives from the firm traveled to the Persian Gulf region. As a result, Solar One is now providing energy-efficient outdoor lighting for the roadway and site offices of the world’s first zero‐carbon city, Masdar City in the United Arab Emirates. The export center has also provided in-house training and has conducted ongoing technical assistance to help the firm with export contract issues, global trade logistics and supply chain management, and export regulatory compliance issues.
Where do I start?
To receive counseling on how to achieve your international sales goals, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service international trade specialist or locate the nearest SBA district office.
More trade events/exports counseling programs
Return to the online guide "Trade Events and Export Counseling" section to read more about programs that can help RE&EE exporters.
