International Business Center Informational Programs

Learn about Exporting and Meet One-on-One with Trade Specialists

Learn about key wire and cable markets abroad, how to enter the markets, increase sales, establish distributors, and finance export transactions! Specialists from several U.S. government agencies will offer attendees multiple opportunities to learn about exporting to markets with potential for your products. Representatives from the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce; Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank); and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will lead informational programs designed to help exporters succeed. Speakers will not only deliver group presentations on their areas of expertise, but will also be available to meet one-on-one with interested attendees. Programs will be hosted in the International Business Center on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29. One-on-One meetings, called Showtime, will be hosted in the International Business Center or at an exhibitor’s booth on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29.

Speakers share insights into business overseas

Attendees will hear from an array of speakers experienced in international markets crucial to U.S. wire and cable manufacturers. Representatives from the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC), the Ex-Im Bank, the SBA, the Trade Information Center, and the Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau will offer educational presentations on services they offer to assist exporters.

The 10- to 15-minute presentations will be given by the Cleveland USEAC, Census FTD, and the Trade Information Centers on Tuesday at 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The SBA and Ex-Im Bank will present on Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will be time for questions at the end of each session.

Set the stage for global business at “Showtime”

U.S. companies are invited to meet one-on-one with U.S. Commercial Service Specialists attending Interwire from wire and cable markets the world over, as well as speakers from the agencies mentioned above. Dubbed “Showtime,” these 30-minute private meetings offer a chance to address export market development for U.S. wire and cable products to international markets, applicable market and product regulatory issues in relevant countries, and what opportunities exist in each market for a company’s products and services. Showtime meetings can be arranged at exhibitor booths on the show floor or at the International Business Center. Meetings can be scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m on Tuesday or Wednesday. Contact the U.S. Commercial Service at Danielle.Rust@mail.doc.gov to register for this free program.

Export-Import Bank of the U.S. – Financing Opportunity Worldwide

The Ex-Im Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States. It assists in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. It enables U.S. companies to turn export opportunities into real sales that help to maintain and create U.S. jobs and contribute to a stronger national economy. Ex-Im Bank does not compete with private sector lenders but provides export financing products that fill gaps in trade financing. In addition to the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Ex-Im Bank representative via Showtime appointments.

U.S. Commercial Service holds “Gold Key” to success with U.S. Export Assistance Centers

A U.S. Commercial Service representative will discuss what the U.S. Department of Commerce has to offer through its Gold Key Matchmaking program and other services for U.S. companies interested in exporting. Attendees will hear about the benefits of participating in the matchmaking program to help connect them with international customers and distributors, navigate the sometimes choppy waters of cross-border commerce, and build, maintain, and expand a successful export enterprise. In addition to hearing this overview, attendees are invited to schedule one-on-one appointments with an international trade specialist or a commercial specialist from the U.S. Commercial Service’s overseas offices via Showtime appointments.

SBA – Your Partner in Financing Exports

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade is designed to help small businesses expand and compete globally. The SBA OIT has a variety of programs designed to enhance a company’s presence in the global marketplace by increasing access to capital through loans, guarantees, and more. Attendees will learn about these programs during an educational presentation, and will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a representative from the SBA OIT via Showtime appointments.

Get expertise on free trade agreements and more with the TIC (Trade Information Center)

The Trade Information Center, located in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s USA Trade Center in Washington, D.C., offers specialized services to U.S. companies. International trade specialists are available to counsel U.S. businesses on free trade agreements, export licensing, and focus centers for China, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Newly Independent States (Russia and former Soviet republics). A representative from the Trade Information Center will provide an informational presentation, and will also be available for one-on-one meetings via Showtime.

Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau

The US Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division collects U.S. trade information, issues regulations governing export reporting, provides customer support for the Automated Export System and offers export filers free Internet access to AES through its AESDirect service. Through an educational presentation and one-on-one meetings via Showtime, attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the FTD and its role in international trade.