Growing Small Businesses and Your Economy: Assistance in Exporting

Date: November 6, 2014
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. EST
Price: $95 for IEDC members, $135 for Nonmembers
Contact: [email protected]

What is the role of the economic development organization (EDO) in assisting local companies to sell their goods and services globally? According to a study by the National Small Business Association, 64% of small businesses surveyed would be interested in selling merchandise or services overseas if their concerns were addressed. Additionally, when small businesses were asked what the main barriers to selling their goods or services to foreign customers were, 46% didn't know much about it or where to start.

Exports play a critical role in helping to bring economic prosperity to local economies by increasing jobs and wealth, and helping to grow local industry. Companies that export have a proven track record of providing higher wages, adding jobs, spurring innovation, and bringing increased stability to their operations in times of economic downturns. Now is a great time for economic developers to help their community's small businesses navigate through resources, and achieve their goals.

Attend this webinar and learn:

• How to address concerns of your small businesses 
• Resources to help bring small businesses to the international market 
• Tips and strategies for outreach to your small businesses to bring resources to them

Speaker:

Michael K. Jackson 
Director 
City/State Partners and Small Business Training 
Export-Import Bank of the United States 
Washington, DC

Mr. Michael K. Jackson currently serves as the Director of City/State Partners and Small Business Training at the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), an independent agency of the federal government. In this role, he creates and manages strategic marketing partnerships with local, state, and regional economic development organizations. He also facilitates product and marketing driven training sessions and workshops on behalf of the agency's Small Business Group. In addition to his role at Ex-Im Bank, Mr. Jackson is also an adjunct faculty member at Montgomery College where he instructs a course on how small businesses can "go global". He is a frequent speaker at international trade seminars and conferences throughout the country.