Grow Small Business, Grow Through Exports

Air Tractor, with 270 employees, is the largest employer in rural Olney -- population 3,000.  They manufacture agricultural and forestry firefighting aircraft.

For more than 15 years, they have been increasing their exports with the assistance of Export-Import Bank of the United States.  

But this overseas business and these new jobs could disappear if Congress fails to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank before it expires at the end of May, ending the financing that makes these exports possible.

Learn more here.

Illustration credit:  Air Tractor

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/20/3824000/ickert-growing-small-business.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/20/3824000/ickert-growing-small-business.html#storylink=cpy

Look Who's Entering Global Markets!

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, more than 70 percent of the world's purchasing power is outside of the United States.

So, what are you waiting for?  Small Business:  Getting Into Global Markets says, "if your business isn't taking advantage of global markets, you could be missing out on some big opportunities."

Read the entire article here (and we are delighted to be quoted).  Hat tip to author Jamie Herzlich.

The Perfect Global Growth Plan

To achieve success running a global small business, you must prepare!  To start, put a plan in place for the future.  Think of it as a global road map.

Try this on for size.  See if it fits or works for your business.

6 Ways to Execute a Perfect Global Growth Plan For Your Business

Done Deal: UPS Buys TNT

"We love logistics!"

"Sure we can!"

UPS just boosted its logistics power.  It bought TNT for 5.2 billion euros (U.S. $6.85 billion).

Learn more here.

A marriage made on this planet.

Embracing Going Global

According to "Expanding Internationally:  How to Go Global," even small businesses can take advantage of e-commerce platforms, including global fulfillment solutions and transaction processing capabilities that are designed to enable rapid online expansion outside of the domestic market.  

Review the guide for getting started.  And you might revisit this article as well.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Have Yourself the Sweetest St. Patty's Day Ever

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "St. Patty's Day Cookies"

My favorite day of the year:  St. Patrick's Day.  Even if you are not Irish, pretend you are.  No one will know the difference and you will be all the more happy for the stretch!  Wish I could say I made these sweets.  Didn't.  Photographed them though.

Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Past Irish posts here ...

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "St. Patty's Day Cookies"

SBA's International Trade Loan Program

As a small business owner, do you plan to bring your production to the United States? Then the U.S. Small Business Administration’s International Trade Loan (ITL) program can provide you with capital to finance your fixed assets, including real estate, and working capital needs.

The program offers private lenders a 90% guarantee on loans as an incentive to encourage lending to growing small businesses.

You can use the ITL program two ways:

1. On-shore to strengthen exports.
2. On-shore to counter import competition.

Learn more here.