Assistant Secretary Venkataraman to Promote Global Export Opportunities for Small Businesses in Louisville, Kentucky

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
Email: publicaffairs@trade.gov
Phone: 202-482-3809

WASHINGTON - On Thursday, September 21, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, Arun Venkataraman, will travel to Louisville, Kentucky, to meet with local small businesses and provide keynote remarks at a Building Bridges to Global Markets event.

Part of the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Global Diversity Export Initiative, Building Bridges to Global Markets is a no-cost export promotion workshop open to all interested U.S. businesses and geared towards small- and medium-sized businesses from underserved communities and hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service. The workshop will bring local trade resources to the business community, including information about the essentials of exporting; identifying potential buyers and partners; and addressing common challenges faced by businesses from underserved communities as they look to expand their sales internationally, such as trade finance and access to capital.

Additionally, Assistant Secretary Venkataraman will recognize four local companies with an Export Achievement Certificate from the U.S. Department of Commerce for their outstanding success in exporting their products to international markets: Advanced Energy Materials, Skips Defense Solutions, Oscarware and EZ Animal Products.

“Louisville has so many thriving small businesses with amazing potential for international success,” said Assistant Secretary Venkataraman. “In 2022, Kentucky businesses exported $34.5 billion worth of goods and services, supporting tens of thousands of local jobs. As I meet with innovative local businesses this week, our emphasis will continue to be investing in the success of all communities across the State of Kentucky. Building Bridges aims to provide current and future local entrepreneurs with information about the federal resources that can assist them to reach new clients and grow sales in new markets across the world.”

About the International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. Operating in more than 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide, ITA promotes trade and investment, assists U.S. businesses and workers to export and expand globally, and ensures fair trade and compliance by enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements. For more information on ITA, visit www.trade.gov.