Export Development

About Export Development

The goal of SPC’s Export Development Program is to provide assistance and create opportunities for Southwestern Pennsylvania companies to expand their business internationally, thereby increasing export sales and employment prospects in the region. SPC’s Export Development staff offers consultative services to small- and mid-sized businesses located throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. SPC’s Export Development Program also sponsors and co-sponsors educational seminars and training programs designed for exporters and potential exporters in the region.

Services

Our services include:

• Export-readiness assessment
• Market identification and access strategies
• International market and industry research
• Trade show and event preparation
• Business etiquette and negotiation tactics
• Export documentation and other technical assistance

Studies indicate that increased exports contribute significantly to economic growth, yet most small- and mid-sized firms don’t consider international business opportunities because they lack trained personnel or have limited access to international marketing resources. Publicly-funded export programs—like SPC’s Export Development Program—provide assistance and afford these companies the opportunity to be internationally successful while contributing to our region’s economic growth.

[ top ]

Partners

As the region’s Local Development District, SPC partners with various state- and federally-funded organizations related to international business development including:

• Duquesne University Small Business Development Center
• Department of Community and Economic Development,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Saint Vincent College SBDC, Center for Global Competitiveness
• U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service
• U.S. Appalachian Regional Commission

In addition, SPC works with a global network of Overseas Trade Representatives representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These representatives provide market research and other services from countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and North and South America.

[ top ]

2007 Activities

In 2007, SPC’s Export Development Program provided assistance to 130 companies in the region on the export development process, including market identification and penetration; international market and industry research; export documentation; participation in trade events; and technical assistance. The total international sales reported by these companies increased by $22.6 million.

Our success in export assistance led to an invitation to present on Building a Successful Partnership for International Trade at the North America Small Business International Trade Conference in Vancouver, Canada.

SPC enhanced its export assistance efforts in 2007 to stimulate the regional economy. With the support of the Network team, we also:

• Collaborated with other regions to host an in-bound trade mission to Pennsylvania, with 65 members’ delegations visiting four companies in our region.
• Generated 243 overseas requests to assist local companies with export-related activities.
• Co-sponsored seven educational seminars for over 100 business professionals.
• Co-hosted PA International Week in the region, with 80 local companies participating in the event.
• Co-hosted 13 Pennsylvania Overseas Trade Representative visits and arranged 92 one-on-one meetings for companies in our region.
• Helped 35 small companies in the region secure Market Access Grants from the Commonwealth for their export development efforts.

[ top ]

Why Export?

1. Many studies and statistics show that exports contribute and often lead to economic growth. Although the Southwestern Pennsylvania region has substantial potential to export, the volume of the region's exports is significantly below the nation's average.  As a result, export development has become an essential component of the region's economic growth.
2. The average company in Southwestern Pennsylvania employs 16 people.  Small firms often overlook international business opportunities because they lack trained personnel and international marketing knowledge.  Publicly-funded export development programs provide assistance and opportunities to these small businesses, while increasing their chance for success.
3. Southwestern Pennsylvania has witnessed a shift in industry, from traditional manufacturing to advanced manufacturing, technology and services.  Export development is a crucial component for growth in these new clusters.  Our program offers the necessary resources to companies in these industries, many of whom lack in-house international representation.

[ top ]

For more information on the Export Development Program, contact Rena Liu-Belshe, Manager, at (412) 391-5590 x320 or e-mail export@spcregion.org.

[ top ]