SBDC EAN FAQs
SERVICES & RESOURCES
What expert services do you provide?
Our staff works with companies from those new-to-export all the way to the most experienced global players. We offer general counseling guidance as well as specific matters like logistics, pricing, marketing, new market entry, and new customer development for foreign markets. Most of our consulting services are free, but you can also engage us for more complex projects at a subsidized rate.
How do I know if my business qualifies for the SBDC EAN services?
Our services are meant for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to export their product or service to buyers from other countries. If your firm employs about 500 employees or fewer and is registered in Ohio generally you should meet the threshold. Click here for the official SBA business size standard guideline.
How does the SBDC EAN work with CSU’s Global Business Center?
The SBDC EAN is a state-and-federally-funded service that is housed within the Global Business Center, whose mission encompasses learning and engagement opportunities for CSU students and other stakeholders.
What is the GlobalTarget program?
GlobalTarget is our award-winning export accelerator and mentorship platform and is run out of the GBC. Started in 2005, the program has successfully assisted nearly 100 Ohio companies develop an export strategy while learning from some of the area’s most accomplished global companies. Learn more about GlobalTarget here.
What is the Global Reach program?
Global Reach is our ‘done-in-a-day’ technical seminar series. Every year we host these seminars that are delivered from regional and national experts on topics such as Incoterms, export controls, letters of credit, clearing customs, free trade agreements; or how to develop new business in a particular country or region. Each year our center hosts five or more of these seminars, which rotate according to client demand.
What other types of programs and events do you provide?
So much! If it has to do with Ohio and international we are probably involved. Whether it’s our premier internship matchmaking program, collaborating with a regional resource such as the Food Export Association of the Midwest, or a regional trade mission from the Great Lakes St Lawrence Governors and Premiers, or just referring a company to a knowledgeable customs broker or translation company, we can help your company increase your international savvy.Building Your Skills
GENERAL EXPORTING QUESTIONS
What is export assistance?
International trade can be difficult. The rules are different from domestic business. There is more risk, more expenses, and more unknowns. Our counselors and our network can offer your company a support network that makes international trade more manageable, and reduce those unknowns.
How can the government help exporters?
Almost all governments love it when their companies export. Not many of them like imports, however. Between federal agencies such as the U.S. International Trade Administration or the U.S. Foreign Agriculture Service, and in Ohio, a state institution like the Development Services Agency, there are many agencies that have people and programs that are at no cost for companies to use to get their products or services in the hands of foreign buyers.
What is required for export business?
It doesn’t take much! But a few things are essential. First you have to have a product or service that can be exported. We don’t work with too many barbershops or plumbers. In fact, most of our clients happen to be manufacturers or providers of professional services. Next, you have to have dedication from your top decision maker that international is right for you. Given all the ways international trade is different, having commitment is critical to developing success. Lastly, the company has to be willing to dedicate the resources necessary to
What is an example of export?
An export is when you directly sell your product or service to a foreign buyer. Here are just a few examples:
Shipping goods you made in your manufacturing facility to a buyer in Canada or Israel
Shipping goods that were produced by someone else but that you’re selling to a customer in Jamaica
Providing distance learning to students in Malaysia from your kitchen
Marketing services to a company in Germany
Why is exporting important?
Exporting is not only good for our local and national economy, but it can present seemingly endless opportunity to grow your company’s customer base. Studies show that companies who get even a quarter of their sales from export makes them more resilient to downturns.
What are examples of things that you cannot export?
The vast majority of US companies do not export. Hairdressers, piano movers, and floral shops all would probably have a hard time making export a regular business channel. However, less well known is that certain goods and technology created for military or aerospace also may have strict policies that restrict their ability to be sold or offered in export.
Can I open a business in another country?
Well, it depends on where, what you do, and perhaps even who you are (if you hold multiple passports), but generally there are ways to open businesses in other countries. We should say that this is not a key function our center offers unless you are looking to open a partnership office in another country while maintaining your base business in Ohio.
How do I get customers for my export business?
This is a key area we help companies through. The process usually takes some planning and dedication of resources, but we do it every day.
What types of challenges do businesses face when exporting?
Some common questions are around navigating the logistics and customs process, which tends to vary from product to product, and country to country. Other common issues are product registrations, certifications, documentation, pricing...really the list can go on and on. But fear not! We are there to take you through everything step by step.
What are the disadvantages of exporting?
It’s not for everyone! Exporting takes time and commitment. If you’re someone struggling to juggle multiple accounts it may not be the right time for you or your company. And usually the relationship development part, as well as the sales cycle can take much longer than domestic.
How does exporting help the economy?
Exporting is a great way to bring money from a foreign pool into our nation. It not only raises our wealth, but companies that export also tend to pay their employees better, and keeps those companies resistant to economic downturns.
How much does it cost to start an export business?
It doesn’t cost more to start a business in export than any other company. The real cost calculations come into play when we look at what you’re selling and whatever costs there might be in shipping.
How can you improve export performance?
Learn from others! Take part in an export accelerator like GlobalTarget at CSU or Export Success in Toledo to meet various other businesses that export as well as professional trade advisors who help companies for a living.
Is exporting low risk?
Doing international business of any kind carries increased risk because there are matters that have increased unknowns. For example, the rule of law between your country and your buyer’s might be different. The distance between you and your buyer is likely longer than in a domestic shipment, and therefore the freight cost will be higher and more volatile.
Which is the best country for business?
Finding the best country for you is dependent on multiple factors, not the least of which is who you are and what your strengths and motivations are. We can help you understand market dynamics, customer demand, but there are other less tangible factors like the ease of business environment as well as your ability to serve your customers. Check out our market priority service for more information on how we can help you find your best export markets.
Are there any types of financial aid or grants that can help my business with exporting?
Yes! In Ohio we offer a grant called the Ohio International Market Access Grant for Exporters (IMAGE) which is part of the SBA’s STEP grant fund for US exporters. Depending on your exact industry and geographic location there may be other complementary grants we can direct you to that can subsidize your international business development expenses. In some years the State of Ohio may offer to directly subsidize the cost of your participation in select trade missions or overseas trade shows.