The Virginia SBDC International Business Development Program works with Virginia based firms to enhance their global success. Our Certified Global Business Professionals provide confidential counseling, training, and customized research to help companies mitigate risks, prioritize markets, identify financing, and grow export sales.

New Client

If you are not already an SBDC client, you can register for IBD assistance here

Existing Client.

Existing SBDC clients can request IBD services through their regional SBDC offices

Virginia SBDC International Team Wins Prize for Work with STEM Companies

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the Virginia SBDC International Business Development (IBD) Program as a Stage One winner for the 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. The Virginia SBDC IBD Program will receive a $50,000 cash prize to build strategic partnerships that will support the launch, growth, and scale of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses.

The IBD Team will now compete for an additional $50,000 to $150,000 later this summer. In Stage Two of the competition the IBD Program will be seeking partners to support a “Growth Accelerator Partnership” to further develop strong innovation ecosystems.

Services

Virginia-based businesses have access to a number of IBD services that promote international expansion

Training

The IBD regularly hosts training on a broad array of trade-related issues.  IBD educational activities range from hour long webinars on focused topics to comprehensive cohort-based programs, including preparation courses for the Certified Global Business Professional examination. To learn more about current training opportunities, visit the Virginia SBDC Training page.

Advising

The Virginia SBDC IBD team provides business leaders with confidential advice and guidance to help develop and grow export sales. Our free advising services are built around four domains of knowledge essential for any business expansion overseas.

  • Global Business Management: Evaluate export readiness for “new-to-export” companies, develop strategies and tactics for exporting.
  • Global Marketing: Identify potential export markets and customer segments, work with our partners in the U.S. Commercial Service and VEDP to identify potential export sales representatives in foreign markets.
  • Supply Chain Management: Offer insights into outbound logistics, including freight forwarding, research and evaluate supply chain options.
  • Trade Finance: Provide technical assistance with SBA and Ex-Im Bank finance options, share referrals to a range of lenders and financing providers.

Research

George Mason University is recognized as a Carnegie Tier I research university, a designation reserved for premier institutions of higher education. Established Virginia companies looking to expand globally can tap into the diverse array of human capital at the university by requesting research tailored to their needs. The IBD team and its student researchers can provide actionable intelligence on market conditions, applicable regulations, logistical concerns, and a host of other issues.

International E-commerce

Join the Global eCommerce Accelerator Program and fast-track your expansion into new international markets. Working with our eCommerce advisor during online workshops, you will build your eCommerce internationalization roadmap, complete with valuable resources and clear next actions to achieve your online goals.

Track your progress entirely online on a unique platform combining training content, quizzes, interactive tools, and resources.

To learn more, contact Aaron Miller: amille2@gmu.edu.

The IBD Team

With over 50 years of cumulative trade experience, the Virginia SBDC’s International Business Development program is prepared to help your business take advantage of international opportunities.

Aaron Miller

International Trade Director

Dulce Zahniser

Senior International Trade Specialist

Chris Van Orden

International Trade Manager

Research Associates

International Market Research Associates

Training Events

The International Business Development Program offers multiple trainings throughout the year.

Check Back Soon

Check Back Soon

Resources

The Virginia SBDC and its partners have created a number of resources that address topics relevant to current or potential exporters alike.

NASBITE Trade Passport

The Trade Passport website is a resource aimed at providing on-demand training, local resources, and rapid expert assistance to USA-based small-medium-sized businesses that are focused on international trade as a pathway to business growth. 

The Virginia SBDC has partnered with NASBITE to make the Trade Passport resources available to our clients. 

Our clients and/or partners can watch up to 20 videos at no cost, then pay $149 for an annual access. 

The Trade Passport training are excellent primers for people to utilize if they are not already in business or if they want a tutorial on a challenging topic

SBDC Resources

Import Primer

Trade Compliance Guide

Craft Brewery Export Guide

Professional Journals: Since the Virginia SBDC  is hosted at George Mason University, a Tier 1 research university, the IBD team has access to a number of proprietary trade journals, databases, and reports.

International Trade Administration Resources

Russia Sanctions and Technology Controls Advice for Clients

Guidance from the America's SBDC International Trade interest section.

Download the Guide Here

Success Stories

The Virginia SBDC is proud to have assisted numerous companies establish or grow their export program

Year
International
Sort By Date
  • Dhiyohouse
  • Winchester Ciderworks
  • Delany Products
  • Wall-Lift Inc.
  • Adroit Theory Brewing Company, Purcellville
    Adroit Theory Brewing Company
  • Gatekeeper Security
    Gatekeeper Security
  • Matrix International
    Matrix International
  • SD Solutions
    SD Solutions
  • Port City Brewing Company
    Port City Brewing Company
  • JMtel
    JMtel
  • Kylla Custom Rock Wear
  • Baby Change-n-go
    Baby Change-N-Go

Newsletter Signup

Newsletter Signup

The International Business Development Program sends out a monthly newsletter featuring details on upcoming trade-related programs & activities. To subscribe to the newsletter, please fill out the linked form.

Partners

The Virginia SBDC Network is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and George Mason University-Mason Enterprise Center.  The IBD program is grateful for the additional support provided by its partner organizations.