INTERNATIONAL TRADECONSULTING SERVICES

Eighty percent of the world’s purchasing power and ninety-two percent of global economic growth exists outside of America’s borders, according to the U.S. Census. The business opportunities are significant, but understanding global commerce can seem like a big undertaking. The SBDC can help your business become a successful competitor in foreign markets by helping you plan and implement your strategy. Pennsylvania SBDC international business consultants are available to assist retailers, manufacturers, high technology, and even service companies with export planning and other areas such as:

  • Targeting international markets
  • Selecting sales and distribution channels
  • Legal considerations and licensing
  • Logistics procedures and documentation
  • Market research and trade statistics
  • International financing options
  • Export readiness reviews
  • Export Business Plans
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The PASBDC works with the U.S. Export-Import Bank to assist U.S. exporters with financing and insurance programs. Programs such as the Export Credit Insurance, the Foreign-Buyer financing and the Export Working Capital Loan Guarantee program are available to small business exporters.

The U.S. Small Business Administration funds the SBDC program and offers Export Financing for small businesses. Through the SBA’s International Trade Loan, SBA Export Express and SBA Export Working Capital Loan guarantee programs, small business exporters can get financing for the pre-export and post-export activities.

CONNECT OVERSEAS

Working with Pennsylvania’s Regional Export Network, the SBDCs can connect you to the state’s overseas trade offices in more than 70 countries. Our certified international trade consultants can help you determine if your company may qualify for grants to cover the costs of participating in overseas trade missions, business trips, and trade shows. We also have consultants that are fluent in multiple languages and can assist you with providing the best messaging to other cultures.

La SBDC está aquí para ayudarlo!

La SBDC est là pour vous aider!

PROFILES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM

When you work with the Pennsylvania SBDC, an international trade consultant will help you hone your export strategy. Our team, spread throughout our statewide network, features a wealth of experience and credentials, including certifications from the Small Business Administration and North American Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE).

Headshot of Lenin Agudo, Director of Widener University Small Business Development Center

Lenin Agudo

Widener University SBDC

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Headshot of Blandine Chantepie-Kari, International and ENRICH Program Manager for Temple University Small Business Development Center

Blandine Chantepie-Kari

Temple University SBDC

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Elaina DeHoratius

Temple University SBDC

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Vickie Gyenes

Saint Vincent College SBDC

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Andrea Hampton

Lehigh University SBDC

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Headshot of Douglas Harding, Senior Business Consultant for Duquesne University Small Business Development Center

Doug Harding

Duquesne University SBDC

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William Hooten

Penn State SBDC

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James Kunkel Headshot

Jim Kunkel

Saint Vincent College SBDC

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Headshot of Dorothy Lane, Director of Wilkes University Small Business Development Center

Dorothy Lane

Wilkes University SBDC

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Aleshia Marshall

PennWest Clarion SBDC

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Bill Pearce

Widener University SBDC

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Brent Rondon

University of Pittsburgh SBDC

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Headshot of Brett Smith, Center Director of Lehigh University Small Business Development Center

Brett Smith

Lehigh University SBDC

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Sebastien Torre

Temple University SBDC

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Since 2014, the PASBDC has helped to procure more than $316,801,960 in new international trade sales.

Source: Pennsylvania SBDC 2021 Annual Report

IS YOUR BUSINESS READY TO EXPORT?

  • Has your company profitably sold your products or services in the U.S. for the last three years?
  • Does your company own the rights to manufacture or sell your product or service?
  • Has your company developed marketing materials, i.e., brochures, business cards and website?
  • Is your company leadership committed to international business and willing to commit resources to capture international business such as but not exclusively expenses for travel, trade shows, trade missions, services such as the U.S. Commercial Service’s Gold Key Matching Service, translation, interpreters, sending samples, etc.?
  • Is your business ready and able to offer international payment terms, create commercial contracts, maintain export compliance, and ship internationally?
  • Does your company have a product/quality advantage or specialized capability? (i.e. machinery manufacturing or high technology industry)
  • Does your company have a technology or quality advantage, an innovative product or service, unique capabilities, niche focus, fewer competitors and easily identifiable customers?

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