The Office of International Programs, located at the State Director's Office in Pensacola, coordinates a statewide program designed to advance the global competitiveness of small business through preparation, education and consultation. Through the Export Florida Series, entrepreneurs learn how to develop an international component to their business strategy and prepare their companies to enter new overseas markets. In addition, individual SBDCs offer trade programs customized for their client base in topics such as Doing Business with the USA and Exporting with the Experts.

Counseling
Free and confidential counseling is provided by Certified Business Analysts, with an advance designation of International Trade Program Specialist, who have "real-world" business experience, advanced degrees in business administration and a high level of technical business know-how. They can help you answer questions, identify problems and find solutions, discuss ideas and provide advice related to virtually all areas of international trade.

Training
The FSBDC developed a program called the Trade Florida Series that consists of the Trade Florida Primer, the Business of Exporting, and the Exporting Florida. The Trade Florida Primer is an introduction to international trade and the Business of Exporting is a three-hour seminar that covers the abc's of trade and resource partners. Exporting Florida is a small business export certification training. This certification program is for the new-to-export business. It is comprised of six 4-hour sessions and takes the participants through an export transaction to prepare them for successful exporting. The six sessions include export fundamentals, market selection, partner selection, pricing, financing the transaction, and completing the transaction.

Partners
The FSBDC Network is a partner in the Team Florida Trade Network which is comprised of the FSBDC's Office of International Programs, Enterprise Florida and The Commercial Service. Overseas partner countries that work in conjunction with the FSBDC to promote small business assistance programs designed to enhance trade between businesses include Argentina, Australia, Curacao, France, Japan and Mexico.

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Resources
US SBA Export Finance Programs
In today's global economy, selling your goods around the world can bring large rewards. And the US Small Business Administration has the resources to help. With three specialized loan guaranty programs, the SBA can help provide export financing, credit to close a sale, and funds for working capital.

Export Express
Export Working Capital Loan
International Trade Loan

Additional information about the SBA's Export Finance Programs can be found at www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/internationaltrade/finance/index.html