Government Resources

U.S. Commercial Service

The U.S. Commercial Service has long been considered the most extensive and cost-effective resource for companies interested in exporting. Listed below are some of the most widely utilized services.

U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEAC) – The U.S. Commerce Service has established a network of offices in over 100 cities across the country. Contacting a trade specialist at your local EAC should be your first step when considering exporting. Even if you don’t currently engage in exporting, take advantage of this FREE resource as a way to plan for future export opportunities!‍
- Gold and Platinum Key Services – Are custom tailored services that combine briefings, market research, appointments with potential partners, interpretation services for meetings, and assistance with follow up strategies. Fees vary based on the scope of the project.‍
- International Partner Search (IPS) – Receive detailed information on up to five prescreened international partners, agents, or distributors including company size, annual revenue, key contacts, and more in 30 business days or less.‍
- International Company Profile (ICP) – Provides background information on a trading partner such as organization type, year established, size, general reputation, territory covered, sales, product lines, principal owners, financial information, and references.‍
- Trade Opportunities Program (TOP) – An international lead generation service run by the U.S. Commercial Service. A small subscription fee is required to receive detailed leads.
  ‍

Matchmaker Trade Delegations – U.S. firms visit with prospective agents, distributors and joint venture or licensing partners abroad based on lucrative prescreening of party interests. Commercial service staff coordinate logistics, facilitate meetings and give in depth briefings.

Find Your Local Export Assistance Center

U.S. EXPORT/IMPORT BANK (EX-IM)
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is an independent U.S. government agency with the primary purpose of facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services. Ex-Im Bank meets this objective by providing loans, guarantees, and insurance programs on market-related credit terms.
‍
PRIVATE EXPORT FUNDING CORPORATION (PEFCO)
Private Export Funding Corporation (PEFCO) assists the financing of U.S. exports through the mobilization of private capital as a supplement to the financing available from commercial banks and other lenders. PEFCO provides a broad range of export finance programs as a direct lender and as a secondary market buyer of export loans originated by lenders.
‍
LIST OF STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
State economic development agencies, departments of commerce, and other departments of state governments often provide valuable assistance and support to exporters. The aid offered by these groups typically includes export financing, education programs, trade missions and sponsoring of tradeshow pavilions and grants.
‍
DISTRICT EXPORT COUNCILS
The District Export Councils contribute leadership and international trade expertise to complement the U.S. Commercial Service’s export promotion efforts. They provide consulting and education services.
‍
SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION (SBEA)
Offers support for exporting companies through trade leads, financing assistance and shipping.
‍
OFFICE OF EXPORT TRADING COMPANY AFFAIRS(ITA)
Administers programs designed to assist firms in reducing export costs and expanding their international presence.
- Export Trade Certificate of Review Program – This program offered by the Office of Export Trading Company of Affairs, gives antitrust preclearance on virtually any export activity, including joint negotiation with providers of export services such as reduced shipping rates, agreements to sell together in foreign markets, coordination of pricing, joint bidding on projects, cost sharing and more.
  ‍
WORLD TRADE CENTERS ASSOCIATION (WTCA)
A world trade center is a shopping center that puts all the services associated with international trade under one roof. A trade association offers timely trade information and opportunities, education programs, networking events, trade mission assistance, and access to some of the best online services to help your business grow internationally. There are over 320 World Trade Center offices around the globe.

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – AMCHAMS
AmChams pursue trade policy initiatives, make available publications and services, and sponsor a variety of business development programs. Through four regional organizations in Asia, Europe, the Gulf Countries, and Latin America/the Caribbean, the AmChams represent the concerns and interests of the business community at the highest levels of government and business in trade policy development. They also sponsor networking events, provide advisory services and market information.

EXPORT TAX BENEFITS

Many exporters do not realize that they are eligible to take advantage of significant tax benefits established by the U.S. government to encourage export activity and growth for small and medium sized companies. There are many firms that specialize in providing accounting services to help your company take full advantage of these tax benefits for a small percentage of the funds they are able to recover.

INFORMATION RESOURCES

LAWS AND METRICS (NIST) – Provides guidance related to packaging and labeling requirements, net content requirements, and the use of the metric system of measurement with the goal of making US packaged goods more competitive in the export market and eliminating technical barriers to trade.
‍
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR EXPORTERS – Is a comprehensive workbook to help your company prepare to enter the international marketplace. This workbook will lead you step-by-step through the process of exporting your product to an international market.
‍
STATE TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP) – Provides financial awards to state and territory governments to assist small businesses with export development.

Global Marketing

Government Resources