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Exporting opportunities
Did you know: 96% of consumers live outside the United States? And 70% of consumer purchasing power resides outside the United States?
If you’re a business owner, exporting presents a massive opportunity. Selling goods and services outside the United States can help increase sales and profits, diversify your customer base and revenue streams, and reduce your dependence on domestic markets.
Navigating international waters
Think navigating international waters sounds like a lot of work? It can be!
Luckily there are great resources and programs designed to assist businesses as they expand into international markets.
Resources for exporters
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers across the state of Missouri assist business owners through trainings and one-on-one consultation.
The Missouri Small Business Development Center here at Missouri State University has three upcoming trainings focused on exporting opportunities for local businesses. We also have a staff of business consultants who can sit down with you one-on-one to identify markets, work through hurdles, and more.
MODED International Trade & Investment Office
As part of Missouri’s Department of Economic Development, the International Trade & Investment Office provides financial assistance to business owners who are interested in getting their goods and services in front of international customers.
Whether it’s attending a trade show or visiting international markets first-hand, their Global Market Access Program helps business owners connect with customers around the globe.
Missouri Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture is a great resource for Missouri farmers, food processors, agricultural businesses and forest product companies that are interested in exporting.
The department has a variety of programs that assist businesses with export consultation, documentation, researching international buyers, soliciting leads, and more. Businesses can also take advantage of the Domestic & International Marketing Program.
SBA Office of International Trade
The Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade is focused on enhancing the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace.
The office offers ongoing education, loan programs, and more to help U.S.-based businesses conduct international trade.
Export-Import Bank of the United States
The Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States federal government.
When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales.
U.S. Commercial Service
The United States Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.
The office has trade professionals in more than 75 countries help U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets.
Learn more
Ready to learn from the exporting experts? Our series of upcoming training events will help you grow your business through exporting.
Topics covered will include: exporting documentation and compliance, letters of credit, incoterms, and more.
