Happy #WorldTradeMonth!
SBA Office of International Trade
Our mission is to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace.
LEAD STORY
It's World Trade Month: Why Not Sell to the 96% of Customers Located Outside the United States?
Did you know that the export market is dominated by small businesses? When you consider the upside, it's no wonder small businesses that export reap the following overall benefits:
The key takeaway is simple: small businesses that export outperform those that don't: read the full article now.
2024 SBA Exporter of the Year in Washington DC to Accept National Award
Congratulations to Felipe Arroyave , President & Founder of Spectrum International , for being named the 2024 SBA National Exporter of the Year! Spectrum designs and manufactures specialty contact lenses and glasses. Mr. Arroyave, a Colombian immigrant, spent 17 years working in the vision industry while completing his degree in international business. In 2017, he began his own company that now employs 27 individuals and sells to 65+ countries. In 2022, Mr. Arroyave earned a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant to attend the Arab Health Trade Show, which resulted in increased export volume and value. He was nominated by the University of Georgia SBDC's Director of International Trade Center Darrel Hulsey. Read the full press release now!
Register Now for our Signature World Trade Month Event Featuring the 2024 SBA Exporter of the Year
Hear directly from the 2024 National SBA Exporter of the Year. He will share his story of achieving the American Dream and the resources he tapped along the way. Might you be a future SBA Small Business Exporter of the Year? Listening in could help get you there. Be sure to register now.
IN THE NEWS
Make Your Voice Heard on Proposed Chinese Tariff Changes
The Office of U.S. Trade Representative wants to hear from you on proposed changes to Chinese tariffs after a four-year study. On May 14th, USTR published this information as well as suggestions for modification. There will be a Federal Register notice outlining how interested parties can comment, including specifically on the exclusion process for machinery used in domestic manufacturing. Search "Section 301" on www.FederalRegister.gov and select options under "Most Recent" to find the Federal Register notice or email international@sba.gov.
OIT Deepens Collaborative Relationship with NASBITE During Annual Conference
On April 9-11, OIT participated in the NASBITE Conference, leading a session on Working Capital as a Bridge to Global Sales Growth, as well as serving as an ex-officio member of the board. OIT shared two proposals to strengthen the ongoing collaboration between OIT and NASBITE, which champions international trade to businesses, policymakers, and the academic community.
SBA Attends 8th US-UK Small Business Dialogue in Belfast, Ireland
On April 16, the US and UK jointly convened the 8th US-UK Small and Medium Sized (SME) Dialogue, bringing together small businesses from both sides of the Atlantic to identify ways to expand bilateral trade and investment, and to enhance broad inclusive SME participation in our trading relationship. Organized by the US Trade Representative, Dept. of Commerce, and the SBA alongside the UK Department of Business and Trade, Associate Administrator Dan Krupnick and Deputy Claire Ehmann attended to present resources and hear from small businesses involved in bilateral trade. To access updated intellectual property guides released at the Dialogue, visit the US Patent and Trade Office.
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STEP Director Presents at Global Business Development Summit
On April 19, State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Director Shadetra Robinson addressed attendees of the Global Business Development Summit in Washington DC. Happening on the sidelines of the World Bank spring meetings, the summit aims to foster connections, explore solutions, and enhance access to finance for business worldwide.
SBA Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed Hosts Win Fellows From the Middle East
On April 24, Deputy Administrator Syed hosted the Atlantic Council's Win Fellows, who are female entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Fellows participate in a year-long program and benefit from ongoing mentoring and networking opportunities. The fellowship includes interactive workshops conducted by leading experts, focused on fostering policies that bolster women's economic participation, both domestically and abroad.
Senior International Trade Specialist Addresses Florida Women's Business Center Workshop
On April 29, OIT's Stephen Sullivan and South Florida's District International Trade Officer Clem Garcia participated in a hybrid workshop on international trade with the Florida Women's Business Center. One of OIT's priorities is national education, training, and capacity building which includes increased strategic outreach and engagement with WBCs to more effectively integrate them into the export ecosystem.
Senior International Trade Specialist Addresses Florida Atlantic University's Regional Small Business Development Center Network
On April 30, OIT's Stephen Sullivan (seated right) provided remarks and celebrated the partners and hosts for the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, which took place at the Research Park at FAU. Other featured speakers included VP FAU Division of Research Gregg Fields and Regional SBDC Director at FAU Dr. Sandra D. M.
ICYMI: RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE
REGISTER FOR EVENTS & TRADE MISSIONS
May 30, 2024 | webinar
June 12, 2024 | webinar
Apply by June 28, 2024 | Travel August 19-24, 2024
Questions? Contact OIT’s International Trade Hotline via email at international@sba.gov or call 855-722-4877.
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