Exporting Alternative Energy Products and Services to Latin America

A Growth Opportunity to Generate Revenue for the next 20 Years!

The International Energy Agency estimates energy demand in Latin America and the Caribbean to increase 50% by 2030. The agency also estimates installed energy generation capacity to increase by 26% in the following ten years. How can a small business benefit from this opportunity?

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Lower Import Tariffs to Help Manufacturers

The U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act helps manufacturers generate employment and boost exports

President Obama has signed into law the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act. The bill suspends or reduces the import tariffs on raw materials that are used by U.S. manufacturers and that are not available in the U.S. Products include certain chemicals, synthetic fabrics, herbicides, among others.

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What is a trade mission?

Exporters and importers can use international trade missions to investigate opportunities in potential foreign markets and meet possible clients. A trade mission is a trip with a formal business agenda, which is usually organized by economic development organizations or government agencies. The trip’s agenda can include visits to ports and airports, and one-on-one meetings with prospective clients.

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ASTE Trade International – A Hillsborough County Success Story

Tampa Company Exports to Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan

In its first year of existence, ASTE Trade International, LLC has experienced amazing growth and success. In just 12 months, the company has done more than 60 export transactions and has established ongoing relationships with at least 9 clients in Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan. ASTE has exported construction materials, tools and equipment, computer equipment, and chemicals. Its clients are primarily private contractors who currently serve the U.S. government overseas.

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Positive International Trade News for Florida

Florida to rank 4th among all U.S. states in state origin exports

According to recent statistics Florida’s international trade industry is experiencing healthy growth. Statistics for April 2009 – April 2010 show merchandise exports are up 15.4% and imports are up by 27.5%. In 2009, Florida’s merchandise trade totaled $103 million. Florida is also a leader in service exports, with an estimated value of $25-30 billion annually.

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Improving Conditions for Exporters

President Obama Moving Forward with the National Export Initiative

National Export Initiative - President Barack ObamaIn January, during the State of the Union Address, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative and set the goal to double American exports over the next five years. Last week the President offered remarks about the initiative and stated the government is “moving forward on improving conditions for America’s exporters.”

What this means for small businesses is an increase in technical assistance and export planning, an increase in international events and outreach (e.g. trade missions), and an increase in export financing.

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Sanctions from President Impacting Exports and Imports

U.S. exporters and importers need to be aware of changes in U.S. foreign policy

President Obama has increased the U.S. Sanctions on Iran in an effort to prevent Iran from funding and developing its nuclear program. What does this mean to U.S. exporters and importers?

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Florida Export Series – Learn To Grow Globally

A Three Part Workshop on Exporting

Take advantage of the National Export Initiative to expand your client base by selling products to other countries.

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The SBDC offers USF Student Firsthand Look at International Trade

Scholarship Awarded to USF Student to Attend Annual Certification Program

Each year, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) holds the International Trade Certification Program (ITCP) to assist small business owners who are interested in exploring international markets or who seek to export, but have limited international market experience.

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Implementing the National Export Initiative

The One-Stop Export Promotion Shop

National Export Initiative - President Barack ObamaOn March 11, 2010, President Obama launched a National Export Initiative. He has asked the Small Business Development Centers throughout the nation to partner with the US Department of Commerce, EX-IM Bank, and the US Department of Agriculture to educate our small businesses and double the amount of US exports.

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2010 International Trade Certificate Program

Includes Preparation for the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional Exam

STARTS APRIL 20TH – HURRY, DON’T MISS OUT!

This 7 Part Series is Presented by experts who work in the Export industry

If you are a small, domestically-owned business interested in exploring potential international markets or are an exporter with limited international market experience, then the International Trade Certificate Program is right for you!

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Sixth Annual Business Forum – Doing Business with Asia

Special Event! – THIS SATURDAY!

The Asian American Chambers of Commerce of Tampa Bay (AACC)  is partnering with SBDC in organizing the AACC annual business forum.

The topic of discussion is:  Doing Business in Asia.

The event takes place Saturday, April 24th from 8:30am-2pm. The cost is $10.

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International Trade Counseling

What Type of International Trade Counseling Is Available at the SBDC?

The SBDC at USF offers free counseling services on international trade. You will be able to speak to an International Trade Specialist, who will guide you in the process of taking your existing business international or starting your international trade business.

How do I Make an Appointment for International Trade Counseling?

You must call to make an appointment with our International Trade Specialist. Please call (813) 905-5800 to make an appointment.

Are there other International Trade Resources Available?

The resource library includes international trade books that are free to use by SBDC clients. The books cover topics such as: How to Take your Business International, Documentation, International Business Culture, Pricing, Payment Methods and Incoterms.

Through the resource center computers, you will also have free access to international trade electronic databases. For example, you will be able to access STAT-USA at no cost.

View more information about the <a href=”/resource-center/”>Business Resource Center</a>.

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Going Global: International Trade Basics – Tampa Training Class

International firms are more stable than strictly US domestic companies. It could benefit you to expand your market beyond the border. Find a starting point and learn the fundamentals of international trade. By providing a broad overview of the trade arena, you will be able to formulate a strategy, understand how to develop a viable trade plan and support your effort through readily accessible resources. Get ready to go global!

Time: 2 hr.

Cost: $10

See the Training Calendar

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Free Business Information

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Request Consulting Online

Sign up for Free Small Business Consulting Services Free Business Consulting services are provided in all of the counties served by the SBDC. The first step is to fill out the Electronic Request for Counseling. This on-line form will start your relationship with the Florida SBDC Network where you will find the most up-to-date resources for your business information needs.

Export Consultants

We have two Certified Global Business Professionals on staff at the Small Business Development Center to assist business owners expand their domestic businesses to include foreign markets. Both Eileen Rodriguez and Maria Yepes have received the CGBP Designation. Certified Global Business Professional

International Trade Training

The SBDC at USF hosts three international business seminars:

Going Global: International Trade Basics

  • Taught twice a month
  • Price: $10
  • Export/Import focus

Click Here for International Trade Training

View the Training Calendar.

Florida Export Series

  • Taught twice a year - Summer & Winter
  • Price: $95 for 3 classes and textbooks
  • Export focus
  • SBDC certificate of completion

Click Here for the Florida Export Series

International Trade Certificate Program

  • Taught once a year - Starts in April, ends in June
  • Price: $350 for 7 classes, textbook and dinner
  • Export focus
  • Preparation for NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional Exam
  • SBDC certificate of completion
  • Classes are taught by experts who actively work in the industry

Click Here for International Trade Certificate Program

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