U.S. Commercial Service offers global solutions

The service's Web site works to make firms accessible to markets around the world

Businesspeople interested in expanding their markets outside the U.S. may want to check out the resources available from the U.S. Commercial Service, the global business solutions unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce, at www.usa trade.gov.

"If you're serious about reaching the 95 percent of consumers who live outside the U.S. market, you want to be a regular visitor to the Commercial Service Web site," said Commercial Service Deputy Director General Jerry Mitchell, in a press release. "Thanks to the Internet and e-commerce, small- and medium-sized firms have the tools to enter international markets as never before."

There is room for more export growth, and small companies are recognizing the potential of the international marketplace. Mitchell said there has been a large increase in small companies that export.

This is encouraging, he said, but it is still only 1 percent of the total numbers of small companies (those with less than 50 employees) and medium-sized companies (those with 50 to 500 employees). "If we just doubled this number, imagine the benefits to our national economy and to our communities," he said.

To help smaller firms get involved in exporting, usatrade.gov offers market research conducted by Commercial Service officers on more than 90 countries, from Algeria to Zambia, and trade leads screened by these same officers, with fresh leads generally posted at the rate of several each day. The leads are free, but visitors to the site must register.

Companies interested in having a highly targeted global marketing presence on the Internet can use the Web site to join the Commercial Service's virtual trade show E-Expo. The show runs online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

U.S. participants get virtual booths to attract buyers surfing in from around the world. Each booth contains a company overview with logos, hotlinks to the U.S. company's Web site and the ability to feature up to five products or services with photos. The system can also upload short video, audio or multimedia presentations. A presence on this site starts at $100 for one year.

The Commercial Service site also offers a calendar of trade shows, trade missions and other events; publications, including the "Basic Guide to Exporting;" access to Commercial Service products including customized market research and introductions to potential buyers and partners; information on sources of trade financing; and links to other export assistance resources.