Educational Videos by SBA, Inc. Magazine and AT&T Promote Exporting by U.S. Small Businesses

Small businesses seeking to grow their businesses and create jobs through exporting can turn to new, free educational videos created through a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Inc. Magazine and AT&T.

Through this public-private partnership, a series of online video modules has been developed to inspire and encourage American small businesses to actively pursue exporting, and to educate them on how to do so.

"Winning the future means supporting small businesses that want to grow and create jobs through exporting," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "SBA is very pleased to have partnered with Inc. Magazine and AT&T in the production and distribution of this video series, which will help small firms that are new to exporting, or looking for new markets, to sell their goods and services."

The "Take Your Business Global" video series features five main topics that guide small businesses through the process of exporting: Getting Started in Exporting; Planning for Export Success; Connecting with Foreign Buyers; Financing; plus five case studies of successful small-business exporters.

The videos begin with answers to the frequently asked question, "Why Export?" They feature SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns [pictured]; U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke; U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk; and a variety of small-business exporters.

Other modules feature exporting experts discussing how to take your business global. The videos are posted at www.inc.com/exporting.

"Inc. is proud to work alongside the Small Business Administration and AT&T to provide entrepreneurs with a valuable resource in their efforts to expand their businesses overseas," said Bob LaPointe, Inc. president. "This video series will educate business owners about what to expect when they launch an international business.

“We have put together experienced small-business exporters, as well as officials from local and national resources, to provide a complete picture. Inc. is always happy to help small businesses grow."

"AT&T is excited to be part of this initiative, and to collaborate with the SBA and Inc. magazine," said Cathy Martine, AT&T Executive Vice President, Small Business Solutions.

"We believe U.S. small businesses are engines of innovation, and strongly encourage them to grow by thinking globally and taking advantage of technology," Martine added. "With the emergence of online commerce and digital communications, the potential to export products and services around the world has never been greater.”

Funding for this project was jointly provided by Inc. Magazine and AT&T. Also, Inc. Magazine created the site to host the videos. Both firms will distribute DVD copies of the videos and related materials approved by SBA, and promote the series in online and print advertising.

The joint program will be launched tomorrow [April 8] at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, site of the Inc. conference GROWCO, an event targeting growing small businesses.

The co-sponsorship agreements will remain in effect through Aug. 31, 2012.

GoodBiz113's Take
This is a prime example of public-private partnering at its finest. Hats off to SBA, Inc. Magazine and AT&T for developing this educational video series for small-business owners aiming to promote their goods and services around the globe.

SOURCE: U.S. Small Business Administration
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