For Kansas SBDC business clients we make it manageable for small businesses to thrive locally while expanding globally. We advise, refer, and connect businesses to the resources they need to succeed.

We help business owners who are interested in expanding their sales to new overseas markets. They may just be trying to find buyers for their products or deciding on which markets to enter. Our clients include business services, resellers, and manufacturers.

KANSAS SBDC EXPORTING AND GLOBAL TRADE Business owners are often unsure about the processes, rules, and regulations as well as the time and effort it will take to explore new markets.

THEY WANT research on international markets, information on how to do business overseas, connections with the right distributors and government assistance organizations

WE PROVIDE strategy development, market research, as well as connections to market research providers, connection to government organizations

THEY BENEFIT We help them determine if and how exporting fits with their overall business, how to find the right markets, establish the right distribution chains, and price effectively to preserve profits.

Do you need help weighing your options? We invite you to contact a location near you when you are ready for assistance.

Business advising is confidential and at no cost to the owner. SBDC services are made available to you and your business by funding from the U.S. SBA, Kansas Department of Commerce, and university hosts and other partners. Curious? Read our FAQs.

So, how does this work?

First, to become a client, you sign up online. Next, a center rep near you will contact you to cover your next steps. Next steps may include an online assessment, training, or it may be a one-on-one meeting with a business advisor.

When you meet with a business advisor the advisor’s role is to listen to you and learn about your market expansion challenges in a judgement-free environment. The advisor will ask about your goals, your needs, and your expectations. They’ll ask about the implications that your market development has on other aspects of your business. We know that marketing doesn’t exist on its own, so to really help your business, we like to look at the whole picture.

When you and your advisor agree on a plan of action, we’ll proceed.

Curious about your company’s export readiness? Take this short export assessment from Global Edge.

What you might discover

You might find that we work best as objective outsider that can be there to talk through ideas or to serve as a sounding board. Or you may need us to dig in and help you prepare or revise a international trade plan. Or you may find that you need us to get deep into the details and work together to develop strategies and tactics to test for a specific product or for your overall brand. Whatever approach works best for you, we’re here to assist.

If we discover that what you need is beyond our scope, we can refer you to great international resources operating as government and other small businesses in Kansas. Even if we refer you to outside resources, you’ll find that we willing to be there to work with you as you implement new programs in your business.

Want to get started? Sign up online.

Businesses interested in exporting and expanding through global markets were often also interested in

• Strategic Planning
• Market Research
• Business Planning