ASBTDC consultants across the state are beefing up on exports and international trade this year through the Export Assistance Counselor certification program.
Developed by the U.S. Commercial Service of the Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration, and the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee, the training has two levels.
The introductory level looks at the national exporter referral process and the basics of federal government support for small business exporters. The upper level prepares consultants for working with clients who are ready to export or existing exporters seeking to expand or strengthen their international trade business.
All consulting staff from ASBTDC’s seven offices completed the introductory certification this spring and are on track to finish the upper level by July 1.
“We know that small businesses that export to foreign markets grow faster, create more jobs, and pay higher wages than small businesses that serve purely domestic markets,” says Yolanda Garcia Olivarez, SBA regional administrator for Arkansas and four other states. “Nationwide, 98 percent of American companies that export are small businesses, but more than half of our exporters are only selling to one foreign market, usually Canada or Mexico. It’s time to take action to help more entrepreneurs reach new markets for their goods and services.”
