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Expanding to International Markets: Exporting 101

95% of consumers are outside of the United States, read to find out the importance of exporting, where to begin, and how to ease into the process of global procurement opportunities. This presentation was put together for Southwest Region SBTRC’s Business Development Program and to assist small businesses with available resources.



1. Sacramento MBDA Export Center


The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the establishment and growth of minority-owned firms in the United States.


The Sacramento MBDA Export Center, operated by California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, provides technical assistance and business development services to generate increased financing, contract opportunities, and greater access to new and global markets for minority business enterprises (MBEs). The Center is also designed to help identify, screen, promote, and refer MBEs to exporting resources, and to engage in and/or expand exporting.


The Sacramento MBDA Export Center’s service scope consists of:

  • General international trade consulting

  • Access to contract: opportunity/contract pipeline development

  • Access to capital: capital infusion program

  • Access to global markets: market research project

  • Technical assistance (Financial/Technical/Logistical/Legal/etc.)

  • Outbound and Inbound Trade Missions

  • Networking event/workshops

  • Specializing in Asia market


2. Why it is important to export


  • 95% of world consumers are outside of America’s borders.

  • On average sales grow faster, more jobs are created, and employees earn more than non-exporting firms.

  • Most companies that export have an easier time riding out fluctuation in the U.S. economy and are more likely to stay in business.


3. How to start exporting


Get counseling and training locally


Contact your local U.S. Commercial Service office or MBDA Export Center if there is one in your region. These agencies have training resources and consulting services provided to exporters.


Assess your company’s export readiness

Exporting is a full time process that requires financial and administrative resources. Make sure you have the capacity to provide the product and or services.


Learn about the market in advance

Research which countries demand your product or service at International Trade Centre – Trade Map, the Observatory of Economic Complexityor by contacting the Sacramento MBDA Export Center.


Develop an online presence


Internationalize your company’s website. If you have a web presence you have global marketing and international sales platform.