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Export Success is strategically designed to teach you how to expand your business into global markets.
As a business owner, you are always looking for new ways to expand your reach. The international marketplace may be far closer than you think. With the pace of world growth in places like East Asia, India, Africa, and other international markets, manufacturers and service providers in Northwest Ohio have substantial export opportunities; however, entering these markets can seem daunting due to the complexities of the exporting process.
To tackle these and other issues of exporting, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC), Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) Northwest Ohio and the U.S. Commercial Service have partnered together to provide guidance in the world of exporting. Export Success at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce can teach new-to-export companies as well as experienced exporters how to enter into new global markets quickly and efficiently. |
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Who should attend?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to make widgets to be successful exporting abroad. Service related businesses can also flourish abroad. The benefits to exporting are vast and with the help of Export Success, we can show you those benefits and how to get there.
Exporting can add value to your company in many ways. You can open new doors, develop new relationships, learn how to interact with other cultures and much more. According to The World Bank, exports in 1960 comprised of both goods and services totaled $157 billion. In 2016, that number was an impressive $20 trillion. Whether you’re a service business, a manufacturer of widgets, or a small mom and pop business that creates a unique product, there is a place for you abroad. Through Export Success, you can learn the process. |
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Why participate in the program?
Export Success at TRCC can help you and your company develop plans to identify global markets, improve export efficiencies, understand export financing and develop market entry strategies. Export Success participants meet approximately once a month over a catered breakfast for a targeted topic session. Some of the topics we discuss include:
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Check out what previous participants shared about Export Success.
Explore the Program Features
This program will help you gain the confidence you need to enter new international markets.
- Prior to the first session, an assessment will be made with the Export Assistance Network Director and your company to understand your particular situation and needs.
- Companies will identify a management-level participant (and one alternative) who are responsible for the company's international development to attend Export Success.
- Relevant topics at each monthly session feature notable experts who address your company’s needs and provide information to help you move forward into new global markets.
- Mentors provide guidance and tips from their own international experience and assist with any questions or concerns.
- The Gold Key Matching Service provides customized one-on-one appointments with prescreened agents, buyers, distributors, sales representatives, association and government contacts, and licensing or joint venture partners to find the right business partners in your targeted market.
- The International Partner Search (IPS) is a report that will identify and secure prequalified global partners through market information on the international sales potential for your products and services.
- Opportunities to meet one-on-one with leaders of successful international exporters to personally guide you along your road to success.
- Introduction to programs for exporters from the State of Ohio and the Federal Government from the Ohio Export Assistance Network.
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Take Advantage of the Low Program Fees
Investment: $2,000 TRCC members, $2,300 non-members* for two individuals.
Companies may be eligible for reimbursement of the program fees through the International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) from the Ohio Export Assistance Office, subject to grant availability. For information on the IMAGE Grant, please click here. For more information, please contact Steve DeMaio at [email protected] or (567) 420-1232 or Paul Zito, Vice President of International Development at RGP Northwest Ohio, at [email protected] or (419) 252-2700. *Please call us at (419) 243-8191 for membership information |
Program Partners |
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Explore further details below.
Ohio Department of Development:
The Ohio Department of Development is creating worldwide opportunities through its comprehensive and customized export services. Ohio’s small and medium-sized businesses are eligible to receive free, confidential counseling from international trade specialists in the Export Assistance Network throughout Ohio. Business also can receive grant funds for international promotion through the International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE), reimbursement for trained export interns through the Ohio Export Internship Program, and international market research and matchmaking services through the International Market Support program.
Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network
The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Export Assistance Network provides free, confidential counseling to Ohio companies and has offices throughout the state. Export Assistance Network directors assist small and medium-sized businesses with topics such as international business planning, market research, export documentation, local product requirements, and logistics.
One-on-one support from local Export Assistance directors who provide expertise in:
International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE)
The program is funded through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) and is designed to increase exports and create jobs. STEP is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade. IMAGE offers financial assistance for small businesses to promote their products and services in international markets. The grant provides a 50 percent reimbursement, up to $10,000 per fiscal year, for qualifying activities. It also provides a 100 percent reimbursement for export training, such as Export Success.
The Ohio Export Internship Program
The program is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Development, Cleveland State University, University of Dayton, The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University. The program matches students who have completed export-focused coursework with Ohio companies that are looking to increase their current export initiatives. Participating small to medium-sized companies are eligible to receive a 50 percent reimbursement for intern wages.
International Market Support Program
The state of Ohio works with in-market representatives in more than 130 markets worldwide to provide opportunities for Ohio businesses to increase export sales and create jobs.
Many small businesses don’t have the local market expertise or relationships to expand their business in the international market. The in-market representatives assist with detailed market research and matchmaking with potential customers.
Services offered:
RGP Northwest Ohio:
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development group serving the Toledo region and 17 counties of Northwest Ohio. The RGP has taken a lead role for northwest Ohio in developing new international investment and trade opportunities. After having hired an experienced business development practitioner to specifically handle foreign trade and investment, the RGP has dramatically expanded its international initiative to better support the growing opportunities coming from such markets as Japan, Germany and Canada. The Toledo/Northwest Ohio region has become a premier location for international investment. Consider there are more than 160 foreign-owned facilities in Northwest Ohio. And just last year, foreign businesses invested $1 billion in Northwest Ohio, creating over 600 new jobs.
U.S. Commercial Service:
What Can the U.S. Commercial Service Do for You?
The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Through its network of trade experts and policy professionals in 78 markets, and all 50 states, the U.S. Commercial Service assists U.S. firms in selling their “Made in the USA” products around the world, advises them on how to use trade deals to their advantage, and helps them overcome obstacles and barriers to international expansion.
How we can help your business:
Our trade specialists work to address issues and trade opportunities to ensure you have the information you need to grow your business.
Market Intelligence
Business Matchmaking
Trade Counseling
Commercial Diplomacy
Ohio Department of Development:
The Ohio Department of Development is creating worldwide opportunities through its comprehensive and customized export services. Ohio’s small and medium-sized businesses are eligible to receive free, confidential counseling from international trade specialists in the Export Assistance Network throughout Ohio. Business also can receive grant funds for international promotion through the International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE), reimbursement for trained export interns through the Ohio Export Internship Program, and international market research and matchmaking services through the International Market Support program.
Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network
The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Export Assistance Network provides free, confidential counseling to Ohio companies and has offices throughout the state. Export Assistance Network directors assist small and medium-sized businesses with topics such as international business planning, market research, export documentation, local product requirements, and logistics.
One-on-one support from local Export Assistance directors who provide expertise in:
- Export readiness assessment
- International business planning
- Market prioritization
- Country and product research
- Export compliance
- Documentation
- Logistics
- Trade mission preparation
- Education and promotional programs
International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE)
The program is funded through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) and is designed to increase exports and create jobs. STEP is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade. IMAGE offers financial assistance for small businesses to promote their products and services in international markets. The grant provides a 50 percent reimbursement, up to $10,000 per fiscal year, for qualifying activities. It also provides a 100 percent reimbursement for export training, such as Export Success.
The Ohio Export Internship Program
The program is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Development, Cleveland State University, University of Dayton, The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University. The program matches students who have completed export-focused coursework with Ohio companies that are looking to increase their current export initiatives. Participating small to medium-sized companies are eligible to receive a 50 percent reimbursement for intern wages.
International Market Support Program
The state of Ohio works with in-market representatives in more than 130 markets worldwide to provide opportunities for Ohio businesses to increase export sales and create jobs.
Many small businesses don’t have the local market expertise or relationships to expand their business in the international market. The in-market representatives assist with detailed market research and matchmaking with potential customers.
Services offered:
- Leverage local resources
- International business matchmaking
- Virtual matchmaking
- Market visit assistance
- Trade show assistance
- Detailed custom market research
- Local regulations research
- Individual company research/due diligence
RGP Northwest Ohio:
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development group serving the Toledo region and 17 counties of Northwest Ohio. The RGP has taken a lead role for northwest Ohio in developing new international investment and trade opportunities. After having hired an experienced business development practitioner to specifically handle foreign trade and investment, the RGP has dramatically expanded its international initiative to better support the growing opportunities coming from such markets as Japan, Germany and Canada. The Toledo/Northwest Ohio region has become a premier location for international investment. Consider there are more than 160 foreign-owned facilities in Northwest Ohio. And just last year, foreign businesses invested $1 billion in Northwest Ohio, creating over 600 new jobs.
U.S. Commercial Service:
What Can the U.S. Commercial Service Do for You?
The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Through its network of trade experts and policy professionals in 78 markets, and all 50 states, the U.S. Commercial Service assists U.S. firms in selling their “Made in the USA” products around the world, advises them on how to use trade deals to their advantage, and helps them overcome obstacles and barriers to international expansion.
How we can help your business:
Our trade specialists work to address issues and trade opportunities to ensure you have the information you need to grow your business.
Market Intelligence
- Customized reports analyzing your market potential, alongside your foreign competitors
- Briefing materials on export financing, laws, and cultural issues
- Background checks on potential buyers and distributors
Business Matchmaking
- Meetings with pre-screened, vetted potential overseas partners
- Introductions for your product or service to prospective buyers at trade events worldwide
- Meetings with international industry and government decision makers in your target market(s)
Trade Counseling
- Guidance on developing effective market entry and sales strategies
- Export documentation requirements and import regulations of foreign markets
- Background on U.S. government export controls, compliance, and trade financing options
Commercial Diplomacy
- Direct assistance to overcome trade obstacles in international markets
- Government-to-government engagement to protect your company’s interests
- Advocacy support from the U.S. government for your foreign government procurement bids
