ndividuals who wish to start their own businesses to export products or services from the United States may be confused about the appropriate steps to take to begin exporting. This article highlights some aspects of starting an export business and identifies important sources of information for budding exporters with entrepreneurial spirit.
Where can I go for help to establish an export business?
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has provided financial, technical, and managerial assistance to help Americans start small businesses since 1953. The SBA has offices in almost every major U.S. city. It operates a toll-free Ïanswer deskÓ at (800) 8-ASK-SBA, which refers callers to appropriate sources of information. The SBA also sponsors counseling, training, and information services, including the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Business Information Centers (BICs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Women's Business Centers (WBCs).
The SBA Web site (http://www.sba.gov/) can lead you, step-by-step, through the process of establishing a business. Some of the topics include information about different forms of business entities, advice on choosing locations and price levels, help in finding financing, information about taxes, and other types of counseling.
For export legal assistance, contact the Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN), a program established by the Federal Bar Association. It provides an initial legal consultation free of charge to companies just beginning to export. As part of ELAN, knowledgeable lawyers help new-to-export companies learn the legal aspects of international trade. To learn more about ELAN or to find the name of an ELAN attorney near you, see the ELAN Web site (http://fita.org/elan) or the ÏAsk the TICÓ article, Legal Resources and Options for the Exporter, found in the January 2001 issue of Export America.
A detailed book, A Basic Guide to Exporting, offers a good introduction to the fundamentals of exporting. To access it on-line, choose ÏExport ResourcesÓ on the Trade Information Center Web site. In addition, Braddock Communications has published two useful booklets, ÏThe Small Business Financial Resource Guide and ÏInternational Marketing Resource Guide,Ó both of which will be reissued later this year or in early 2003. These booklets will be available from U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) located around the United States, as well as from the Trade Information Center.
Many colleges, universities, and other educational institutions offer courses on exporting. Some of these courses are available over the Internet. You can also inquire about export seminars offered in your region at your local USEAC.