Finding Solutions for Growing Businesses
Who Can Help Me Answer My Questions?
Start asking questions of an international trade counselor at a local Small Business Development Center, US Department of Commerce district office, or a Small Business Administration branch office. These trained professionals will answer many of your general questions, gather some information, help with directed research, or refer you to either a private sector international business professional or a public sector agency. Most government-sponsored international trade assistance programs are offered at no charge to the public. Find Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in your region.
- The Export Hotline, a cooperative effort between AT&T and several international businesses, is a free international information service available to any company with a fax machine. Export and import information, collected from over 150 sources, is instantly available on more that 50 industries and 78 countries from a collection of more than 5,000 reports. The information includes industry sector analysis, country commercial overviews, trade environment, investment regulations, trade shows, key contacts, samples of export and import documents, business travel and protocols, and government assistance programs. Call (800) USA-XPORT or numerically, (800)872-9767.
- The Trade Information Center, comprised of twenty different agencies in Washington, DC., is an excellent "one-stop shop" for comprehensive information on all government programs offered to business. Information is available on a variety of support activities, including export counseling, seminars and conferences, overseas buyers and representatives, export financing, and technical assistance. Open 8:30-5:30 EST, Monday through Friday with an afterhours message service. Phone (800)USA-TRADE or numerically, (800)872-8723.
This completes the Export excerpts. If you would like to purchase the book please contact MI-SBDC at (313)964-1798 voice (313)964-3648 FAX, E-Mail smccue@cms.cc.wayne.edu please reference the title, TRADE SECRETS:THE EXPORT ANSWER BOOK.
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