The memorandum signing event originated in 2010 with the NEI linking the national association of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) with the Department of Commerce, EX-IM Bank and the Department of Agriculture to provide business owners technical assistance with market research, export financing, foreign governments and documentation compliance.

“We always tell entrepreneurs that no business is too small to go global,” said Small Business Development Center Regional Director and International Trade Specialist Eileen Rodríguez. “This is especially important for our businesses as Florida is the nation’s fourth largest export state and ninety-five percent of its exporters are small and medium-sized companies!”

Young Tampa entrepreneur, Sean Hopwood, understood the numbers behind statistics showing 95 percent of the world’s consumers lie outside the United States.   He started Day Translations, Inc. with SBDC assistance four years ago and, now, hit $1.2 million in sales.   Before hiring new employees and gaining overseas offices, he completed the SBDC’s six-week International Trade Certificate Program  and start-up consulting.  As his business grew he needed strategies for Internet marketing,taxes, payroll, HR and financial management. Now, he serves clients from Argentina to Dubai throughout 13 locations.

“It’s not about Tampa competing against Miami or another state— it’s Tampa competing against India and Brazil,” said Sanchez in explaining how we must collaborate in increasing Tampa’s position as a transportation and shipping hub in one of Florida’s fastest growing regions.

Tampa’s role in the NEI is supported by the City and its seven partners including:

• The Tampa Port Authority: Florida’s largest port by cargo tonnage and one of the nation’s largest ports by area;
•  the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority: one of Florida’s top five airports in air cargo handling
•  The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation:  a leading promoter of activities to increase foreign direct investment and host and coordinate international trade delegations.
• The Tampa Bay Partnership, Small Business Development Center, University of South Florida, and University of Tampa advance the region and state’s development, implementation, and expansion of export education programs and activities.

Small Business Export Ready Programs:

• Small Business Development Center’s Florida Export Series is a three- part track to get businesses on the path of exporting – offered twice a year.
• Small Business Development Center’s International Trade Certificate Program (ITCP) provides seven modules to teach individuals and businesses how to conduct business on a global level.  It’s one of a few NASBITE International accredited trade assistance programs in the world – and the only one in Florida.
• Small Business Development Center’s no-cost, international trade consulting for beginning and mature companies.  The Small Business Development Center also offers consulting in a variety of areas to help current and potential exports with – financing accounting taxes, marketing, web strategy and more.
• Export Marketing Services  Are in  In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Enterprise Florida, Inc. and the U.S. Commercial Service, the Florida SBDC Network is excited to announce a scholarship to assist qualified manufacturing small businesses in Florida who are “new-to-export” to identify growth strategies through the development of customized Export Marketing Plans. The cost for preparation of an Export Marketing Plan is $3,000. Qualifying companies are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship, making the cost to your company $500.

The memorandum includes signatures by:

• Francisco Sanchez, Under Secretary, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce,
• The Honorable Bob Buckhorn, Mayor, City of Tampa,
• Sandra Murman, Vice Chair, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners,
• Richard Wainio, Port Director & CEO, Tampa Port Authority,
• Joe Lopano, CEO, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority,
• Eileen Rodríguez, Regional Director, Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida,
• Gordon Gillette, Chair Elect, Executive Committee, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation,
• Stuart Rogel, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership,
• Maria Crummett, Ph.D, Associate Vice President for Global Affairs, University of South Florida,
• Ron Vaughn, President, University of Tampa.

SBA Recovery Loans:

• The law will extend SBA Recovery loans (with the 90% guarantee and reduced fees) through December 31, 2010.
• The law will permanently increase 7(a) and 504 limits from $2 million to $5 million (for manufacturers in 504 loan program, up to $5.5 million).
• The law will permanently increase microloan limits from $35,000 to $50,000, helping larger entrepreneurs with start-up costs and small business owners in underserved communities.
• The law will increase maximum amount of SBA Express loans from $350,000 to $1 million (expires 9/27/2011).
• The law will allow some small businesses to refinance their owner-occupied commercial real estate mortgages into the 504 loan program (expires 9/27/2012).
• The law provides for funding up to $20 million per year in small business loans over the next three years for an intermediary-facilitated loan program targeting small businesses that need loans up to $200,000.

Exporting:

• The law turns the Export Express pilot loan program into a permanent program with 90% guarantees for loans up to $350,000 and 75% for loans between $350,000 and $500,000.
• The law provides $90 million in competitive grants over next three years for states to help small business owners with exporting.

Federal Contracting:

• The law gives agency procurement officers more ability to provide both large prime contracts and mircocontracts to small businesses. The law makes it harder for agencies to “bundle” contracts, a practice that often takes opportunities away from small business. The law also has stronger enforcement so agencies will be held more accountable for reaching small business goals.
• The law enforces stronger subcontracting plan requirements for large prime contractors to ensure small businesses are utilized in subcontracting. It also discourages late payments to small subcontractors.

Extension, Expansion of Tax Cuts

For more detailed information, please click on this link:� http://www.sba.gov/jobsact/

Not every exporter in the U.S. needs an export license. Exporters need to consider the type of exporting product, the country of destination, the end-use of the product and the end-user in order to determine if the exporting transaction requires a license. The majority of export transactions will not require a license from the U.S. government. However, the exporter needs to perform �due diligence� and determine if any Federal department or agency will require a license. U.S. Government agencies involved in export controls include The Department of Commerce, the Department of State, The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, The Department of Energy, The Drug Enforcement Administration, The Food and Drug Administration and The Department of Agriculture.

Most export licenses are issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce and they are issued for transactions involving dual use products. These are products that have a military application, as well as a commercial application. Dual use export licenses are required in certain situations involving national security, foreign policy, short-supply, nuclear non-proliferation, missile technology, chemical and biological weapons, regional stability, crime control, or terrorist concerns. For more information, please visit the BIS website at www.bis.doc.gov.

If you need further assistance with export licenses or export planning, please schedule a free appointment with one of the SBDC�s international trade consultants.

Why export to Latin America? 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?

The U.S. is an important supplier of electric power generation equipment in Latin America, with renewable energy in the Dominican Republic (DR) being identified as one of the most promising export sectors (according to the U.S. Department of Commerce) . The USTDA estimates Panama’s renewable energy potential at 2,800 MW.

Where Can I Get Free International Business Help & Resources?

» SBDC Exporting Events & Free International Business Information

» Request Free International Business Consulting Now!

What Kind of Trade Events Does SBDC Offer?

2010 Recap: Learn How to Export Goods and Services to Latin America

In 2010, the SBDC at the University of South Florida (USF) & Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions hosted the “Exporting Alternative Energy Products & Services to Latin America” seminar. Partners included the following schools & organizations: SBDC at Miami, SBDC at the University of Central Florida (UCF), SBDC at the University of North Florida (UNF), UCF, UNF, Florida International University (FIU), the University of Florida (UF), Florida Agricultural & Mechanical (Florida A&M) University, & Florida Network for Global Studies.

The event, delivered to Florida business owners, delivered information on how to export goods & services to Latin America. It featured case examples using Panama & The Dominican Republic.

» Browse Upcoming SBDC International Business & Exporting Events!

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.

With this action, the government hopes to help manufacturers reduce cost and be able to generate more employment. The government also expects the reduction in cost will make American products more competitive in foreign markets, which will translate into a boost for exports. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that the bill would boost production by $4.6 billion and support almost 90,000 jobs.

The Act supports the president’s National Export Initiative to promote exporting and it comes at a time when the administration is being criticized for not passing the free trade agreements with Colombia, Korea and Panama; and after the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the trade deficit in June climbed to its highest level since October 2008.

Fill out an Electronic Request for Consulting to begin working with an International Trade Consultant.

For more information please visit:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR04380:@@@D&summ2=m&

http://www.nam.org/Communications/Articles/2010/08/Manufacturers-Praise-Presidents-Signing-of-Miscellaneous-Tariff-Bill.aspx

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/aug/11/obama-signs-tariffs-bill-to-aid-manufacturers/

Typically, the organization that puts together the trade mission assists the importer/exporter by identifying and scheduling the appointments with suppliers/buyers. Other services can include providing translators or meeting with key government officials in the foreign market.

Currently, there are two trade missions available to Tampa Bay Area Exporters:

Trade Mission to Colombia – August 9 – 14, 2010

This mission is organized by Enterprise Florida and includes visits to Bogota and Cartagena.

Trade Mission to Panama – September 6-9, 2010

This mission is being led by Manatee Economic Development Council and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. It includes a tour of the Panama Canal.

The Small Business Consultants can help you decide if a trade mission is the right marketing strategy for your business to expand internationally. It is recommend you do extensive planning before participating in a trade mission. Please contact our Certified Global Business Professionals for assistance.

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.

More than 95% of exporters in Florida are small businesses and the growth in the international sector is a much needed sign of hope for business owners who have been trying to navigate through rough economic times. Small businesses in Florida can benefit from a world-class trade infrastructure, which includes 14 deep water seaports, 19 commercial service airports, transportation and logistics providers, specialized legal and banking services, and export financing.

Small businesses in Florida can also benefit from free technical assistance from organizations such as the SBDC at USF, Enterprise Florida and the US Commercial Service.

In terms of market potential, a white paper released by the Florida Chamber of Commerce listed the following countries as the most promising foreign markets for Florida’s exports: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Chile, Peru, Mexico, China, Spain, India and emerging European economies.

Leaders Look to Double Florida Exports

Florida’s government and business leaders are looking at the potential of doubling Florida-origin exports of goods and services in the next 5-7 years. Florida is well positioned to generate employment and economic development through the growth of its international sector. Small business owners should be preparing themselves to get involved in this industry if they have not done that yet.

More information about international trade assistance

For more information about the statistics mentioned above please visit:

www.onevoiceforflorida.com/media/945a714d-e228-4cf9-a097-4c80505997e9.pdf

www.floridatrend.com/article.asp?aID=53302

www.eflorida.com

In 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.

The international trade assistance provided at the SBDC at USF is an example of the type of efforts the President is trying to push with this initiative. Through the seminars and international counseling services offered at the SBDC at USF, local companies can explore the possibility to expand to foreign markets and develop comprehensive international marketing plans. The Certified Global Business Professionals on staff at the SBDC can assist you in:

• Assessing your Company?s Export Readiness
• Identifying, Ranking & Selecting International Markets
• Developing Best Market Penetration Strategies

To find out more about the National Export Initiative and its impact please visit the following links:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-announcing-presidents-export-council

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-provides-progress-report-national-export-initiative-announces-membe

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

When: July 13, 20 and 27

Time: 10am – 1pm

Where: Tampa Port Authority Building

Price: $95 (includes textbooks)

Attendees will obtain a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course

Register Online for the Florida Export Series

Textbooks Included with Workshop:

International Business Culture

Building Your International Business Through Cultural Awareness

by Charles Mitchell – a $45 value

International Trade Documentation

The Documents of Exporting, Importing, Shipping and Banking

by Edward Hinkelman – a $45 value

Topics Included with Workshop:

Introduction to International Trade

An introduction into International Trade, including free trade agreements, export readiness, market selection, collections, financing, and license requirements.

Dealing with your Export Market

International Business culture includes understanding cultural differences, customary etiquette, protocol, communications across cultures, gift giving, and dealing with interpreters.

Export Documentation

International Trade Documentation includes Inco terms, transaction documents, transport documents,
and compliance with US government agencies.

Register Online for the Florida Export Series

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!