Steps for Going Global: U.S. Commercial Service Ohio
Tapping the Export Potential of Traditionally Underserved Businesses
It goes without saying: the past 18 months have been truly transformative for the way we live and work here in the Buckeye State. One key trend has emerged from the business landscape: the importance of increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including businesses owned and led by women, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native Americans, and those owned and led by veterans and individuals from the LGBTQI+ community.
The U.S. Commercial Service, Post-pandemic
As the nation continues its economic recovery from the pandemic, the International Trade Administration’s export promotion arm, the U.S. Commercial Service, is working hand-in-glove with these businesses, including those in traditionally underserved communities. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers and two-thirds of global purchasing power outside of the United States, Ohio exporters can experience increased sales and profit potential through exporting. Exporting also helps businesses weather changes and smooth business cycles in the domestic and world economies.
Exporting Made Easy
The first step is to develop an export strategy:
• Identify the product or service, and check its export potential,
• Conduct market research on the countries of interest and evaluate an overseas distribution system,
• Have a pricing strategy for the product or service, payment terms, and methods,
• Familiarize yourself with shipping methods, export compliance, and other requirements,
• Come up with a strategy to find buyers.
Many would-be SME exporters avoid exporting because they believe it’s too burdensome or that they are too small, or they may be unaware of export resources to help. Often, minority-owned and women-owned business have unique export challenges as well. For example, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, women-owned businesses in top exporting industries are less likely to export as compared to similar types of businesses owned by men. They often need assistance in identifying export opportunities and gaining knowledge of relevant exporting skills, procedures, and networking opportunities. Also, women-owned firms tend to have less access to capital. Whatever your export needs, there’s plenty of help available from the federal government and its partners.
Where to Find Us
As you plan your export strategy, reach out to our U.S. Commercial Service offices in Ohio. Our offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati are part of a global network of 100+ offices across the country and in more than 75 international markets.
We are uniquely positioned to help bolster the success of traditionally underserved businesses by helping them export through counseling, market intelligence, introduction to global buyers, and more. Businesses also utilize our customized virtual matchmaking tools such as our International Partner Search. Trade experts can help you avoid potential pitfalls, assist with your export strategy, and connect you with the right partners.
Like we did with Robinson Fin Machines.
Ohio Companies Go Global
Robinson Fin Machines, Inc. based in rural Kenton, Ohio, is a women-owned family business that manufactures custom folded fins for heat transfer applications in various industries. In 2020, company President Sheryl Haushalter sought assistance from our U.S. Commercial Service Cleveland office to resolve a longstanding issue with a customer in Israel. As a direct result of our export counseling, Robinson Fin completed a $250,000 export transaction to that country.
Robinson Fin is among the many Buckeye State businesses that are boosting their bottom line and competitiveness by selling internationally. Since 2003, Ohio exports have grown from $29.8 billion to $50.4 billion in 2021 - a 69 percent increase. In 2019, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) accounted for 88 percent of Ohio exporters. Altogether, the state’s exports support thousands of jobs, contributing to economic growth and prosperity.
Often, many minority-owned businesses actually have a competitive advantage due to cultural ties, multilingual skills, and market knowledge to excel as U.S. exporter. Also, if your business has a good track record of selling in the United States—one of the world’s most open and competitive markets—that’s a good indicator of strong export potential. Search here for other export success examples in your industry.
Getting Started
Whether you are a new or experienced exporter, online resources on how to export can help you get started. On the site you can:
- Assess your company’s readiness to enter your first international market, expand into additional markets, or take on more challenging high-growth markets with our online questionnaire.
- Take advantage of ITA’s market research and trade data covering industries and markets around the world.
- View our full portfolio of export resources such as our virtual export services, eCommerce resources, exporting video series, and more. Through our Global Diversity initiative our Women’s Global Trade Empowerment program serves as a key resource for women entrepreneurs who wish to grow their business into new markets.
Contact Your Local Export Experts in Ohio
As the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, we must promote equitable growth and eliminate social and economic structural barriers to opportunity wherever they exist. The global affinity for Made in USA products and services is second to none. We are committed to helping accelerate an inclusive economic recovery by helping women and minority-owned companies and others recover through exports. We want to help you compete and WIN in the global economy. Contact Susan Whitney or Todd Hiser in Cleveland, Marcia Brandstadt in Cincinnati or Darren Srebnick in Columbus for additional information.
Article Author: Darren Srebnick, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Columbus.