International Trade Initiative

The Virginia SBDC offers an array of services for Virginia companies looking to sell their goods and services internationally. From one-on-one consulting to customized training seminars and a signature research program, the Virginia SBDC leverages resources and expertise to help you mitigate risks, identify and prioritize markets, grow your international sales, and finance your exports.

To learn more about the international program, watch our video.

VITAL: Virginia International Trade Alliance University Research

The purpose of the VITAL University Research program is to provide companies with actionable market intelligence and research to improve export readiness and performance. In consultation with the International Trade Manager, firms develop a scope of work aligned with their international objectives. Companies that are accepted into this competitive program receive the following free of charge:

• 100 plus hours of dedicated research by George Mason University students.
• Up to 20 hours of mentoring from private sector experts and other export promotion partners.
• A presentation of the research and opportunity for Q&A.

Resources

The SBA Export Planner is a great tool for new-to-export and existing exporters alike. It walks you through the process of becoming export ready and provides a framework for your international expansion.
http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/SBA%20Export%20Business%20Planner.pdf
The Basic Guide to Exporting is another great resource for new-to-export firms.
http://export.gov/basicguide/
Spend some time doing research on markets and industries at http://www.export.gov/
Here is an excellent business planning checklist provided by local attorney Tom McVey:
http://www.williamsmullen.com/sites/default/files/wm-url-files/02-International-Planning-Checklist.pdf

Partners

Aaron Miller is the international trade manager for the Commonwealth at the Virginia Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network. He can be reached at amille2@gmu.edu or 703-277-7715. The Virginia SBDC Network is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and George Mason University-Mason Enterprise Center. In order to effectively serve a diverse clientele, the Virginia SBDC International works closely with the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, and the Virginia Washington DC District Export Council (DEC), and other partners at the federal, state, and local levels.