Onshoring is top of mind for many manufacturers, but the process of bringing manufacturing and supply chains back to the U.S. is anything but simple and straightforward. However daunting it may seem, it’s not impossible.

In this webinar, Aaron Miller, Director of the Virginia SBDC International Business Development Program sits down with Ben Barani, COO of Oransi, to learn how they successfully on-shored their air purifier manufacturing while maintaining a leading position in the marketplace.

Ben shares how Oransi’s proprietary electric motor technology has not only enabled this transition but also positioned the company to lead in other high-impact sectors. By gaining greater control over production and fostering a culture of innovation, Oransi has launched new product lines that are transforming the robotics, unmanned systems, and data center cooling industries—delivering unmatched energy efficiency, reliability, and performance in mission-critical applications.

There are many considerations that American exporters should weigh when selecting a foreign market. One often overlooked component is whether or not the U.S. has a free trade agreement (FTA) with that country. FTAs can help U.S. exporters access foreign markets, reduce barriers, provide greater protection and recourse, and generally create a more stable trading environment. They also give U.S. companies a competitive advantage over firms from other countries selling similar products and services. In fact, roughly 40% of exported U.S. goods are sold to our 20 FTA partner countries. 

In this webinar, Aaron Miller and Dulce Zahniser of the Virginia SBDC’s International Business Development program share insights into how small businesses can access the benefits of FTAs, and the resource available to them.

 Never before has it been so easy for small businesses to reach global audiences. However, there are not only more potential customers but more competitors too.  It takes a concerted effort and some core skills to attract international consumers. 

In this webinar, IBD Assistant Director Chris Van Orden asks Justin Seibert, President of Direct Online Marketing, what online marketing tools American small businesses can use to compete globally.

  Compared to other developed nations, only a small share of American small businesses export. While US firms have difficulty competing solely on cost, American quality and innovation are prized the world over and this is especially true in STEM sectors.

In this webinar, IBD Director Aaron Miller asks Rebecca Haydock, Director of the Central Virginia SBDC, and Lisa Garcia, Senior Business Counselor – STEM Innovation and Global Expansion, about the many reasons why STEM firms should consider international markets and the resources available to assist them. By developing competencies in key areas US companies in innovation sectors can unlock their global potential.

Nonpayment has always been one of the biggest risks and concerns for exporters. While cash in advance or a letter of credit are often seen as effective ways to mitigate risk, they are not without their own drawbacks. To be successful in foreign markets, exporters need to find solutions that protect themselves without putting their client in an unfavorable position. This is where export credit solutions can be a powerful tool for exporters. Export credit insurance can even be used by savvy exporters to expand their borrowing base with their bank.

In this webinar, IBD Director Aaron Miller speaks with John Strayhorn of Global Insurance Services to explain the many ways export credit insurance can position the exporter for stronger growth overseas.

All business is about relationships, and that’s doubly true when working internationally. To maximize potential and avoid costly miscommunication, exporters and their foreign partners need to be on the same page.

In this webinar, Aaron Miller and Chris Van Orden of the Virginia SBDC’s International Business Development program discuss actionable strategies that exporters can employ when working with foreign-based importers, distributors, agents, and partners.