International Trade

South Carolina’s small business owners are always looking for ways to grow their business. One way is to find customers in new markets. International trade assists an owner by growing the business through diversification in customer, geography, seasonality, and product mix. 

 

SC SBDC export business consultants provide international trade assistance to small businesses who are:

• New-to-Export clients

• Early Stage Exporters

• Existing SC SBDC Export clients

• Clients who are importing
   

SC SBDC export consultants work with business owners to provide:

• Export Readiness Assessment 

  • determining whether this is a good strategy for the business – or not.

• New-To-Export Training: 

  • International business management: risks and opportunities 

  • International marketing, product branding & packaging 

  • International trade finance: payment methods, capital, financing, credit insurance 

  • International supply chain: OTI (order fulfillment/ operations/freight forwarder logistics) 

• Export Business Plan Development

• Export Loan Preparation 

  • SBA and EXIM Bank Loan Documentation

• Connection to Partner programs/services, as needed 

  • SC Commerce, US Commercial Service, etc.

 

Assistance is available to SC SBDC clients upon direct request or through the referral of Area SC SBDC Consultants. There are three experienced Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) consultants in the SC SBDC. Please contact them at:

• Tom Lauria – Charleston; tomlauria@sc.edu

• Ben Smith – Clemson; bennys@clemson.edu

• Beth Smith – Columbia; smithem6@mailbox.sc.edu

​

According to the SBA, small businesses have generated the majority of net new jobs in the U.S. over the past decade. Exporting is good for a company’s bottom line. Helping companies grow by selling internationally is important to our economy and a primary objective of the SC SBDC. Make an appointment with a SC SBDC export specialist today!
 

Useful export resources:

International Trade Administration 

SBA Export Loan Programs 

SC International Trade Coalition

SC Department of Commerce: Export Services  

US Commercial Service SC 

NASBITE International