SBDC Certificate Program Helps Small/Mid-Sized Businesses Prepare For Exporting

Small and mid-sized companies in the Pittsburgh region are invited to learn how they can export their goods and services through a five-part Export Series Certificate Program offered by the Global Business Program at the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center in partnership with several state and federal agencies. 

The program will be held March 27, April, 3, 10, 17, 24, 2012. The cost is $175.

Working with the Duquesne SBDC to sponsor the program are Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development-Center for Trade Development, the Center for International Regulatory Assistance, and the Export-Import Bank.

This exclusive training program has been carefully designed to educate dynamic business leaders and small/mid size businesses who are committed to maximizing their companies’ exports.

The course is intended for companies showing the following 5 characteristics:
1) management commitment,
2) financial capacity,
3) product qualification (including sales history),
4) market potential,
5) production capacity.

This Export Certificate Program will prepare your company to:
• Discover new opportunities and customers through new markets
• Develop an Internal Export Plan
• Open Global distribution networks
• Comply with U.S. Export Regulations

March 27, 2012: Session 1 - Export Market Opportunities, Strategies and Plan. Identify if your product or service has export potential. Learn about exporting statistics and find out what your competition is doing in the global marketplace. Find out about resources available to penetrate your chosen market. It includes an international marketing workbook to assess your company's export readiness, business goals, and commitment.

April 3, 2012: Session 2 -HTS Number, Letters of Credit, Export Financing, Payment Methods Learn how to classify your product (HTS number). Use the export financial services of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Export Import (EXIM) Bank and private sources. See how public programs help when commercial banks are unable to assist your firm. Become knowledgeable in letters of credit, documentary collections and use of open account terms.

April 10, 2012: Session 3 -U.S. Export Regulations, ITAR, CE Mark & Free Trade Agreements Learn about U.S. exports licensing and controls, various types of classifications and what you need to know about end use of your product to stay out of trouble. Comply with European Regulations such as the CE Mark which is legally mandatory. Comply with Environmental Regulations and Maximize the U.S. Free Trade Agreements with other countries.

April 17, 2012: Session 4 -International Logistics, Incoterms, Quotes, Shipping Insurance This session focuses on moving goods overseas, including packaging and labeling. Have you learned the role of a freight forwarder? This course will take you through a step-by-step process of filling out certificates of origin, bills of lading and other important documents for export. Learn about incoterms, and the services provided by freight forwarders.

April 24, 2012: Session 5 -Legal Issues: Contracts, Patents, Internet Webpage Global Marketing-Company Presentations Become familiar with the legalities of exports. Learn about agent and distributor agreements, and international contracts. How to locate agents, distributors and develop joint ventures? What is the legal system in the country you want to export? Do the same laws apply to the internet and online sales? Learn how to do global marketing and trade missions.

In order to receive the certificate attendees need to register and attend at least 4 of the 5 sessions.

Each workshop is $45 but if you pay for all five you get a discounted rate: $175

Register Online: $175.00 (or $45.00 for individual sessions) www.sbdc.duq.edu

Duquesne University-SBDC, Rockwell Hall-Room 108. 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15282. Time: All sessions are from 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

All executives who successfully complete this training course will receive a certificate of Export Training from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center.

In addition, your company will be eligible to apply for a “Pennsylvania GAP Funding,” “Access the 20 countries Pennsylvania Overseas Business Offices” and “Use the Gold Key” service package to your export country of choice. This is an Export Technical Assistance Program (E-TAP) program from the SBA. Source: Export Planner, Breaking Into The Trade Game-SBA and NASBITE International-Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP).

Registration: 412-396-1633. Fax: 412-396-5884. Email: duqsbdc@duq.edu Info: Web: www.sbdc.duq.edu