College of Business Administration

Partnerships

International Trade

Partnerships are critical when the topic is international.  The SBDC has long been a supporter of building and maintaining partnerships that can assist manufacturers and other businesses in developing and expanding foreign markets for their products.  The SBDC continues to offer educational opportunities for businesses as well as an International Library that serves as an excellent source of information for exporters and importers.

We rely on the partnership and expertise of the following agencies and organizations to provide assistance with your international questions and planning:

The World Trade Center Saint Louis – The WTC Saint Louis assists businesses in identifying and competing for profitable overseas business opportunities.  As a satellite office of the WTC, the SBDC is able to bring WTC services and programs to Southwest Missouri.  These include:  training, consultation, market research, overseas business missions, and access to over 330 world trade centers in over 100 countries.  It arms companies with information they need to make informed decisions relevant to growing international businesses.

The Commercial Service of the U. S. Department of Commerce is committed to assisting businesses in realizing their export potential by providing expert counseling and advice, information on markets abroad, international contacts, and advocacy services.

Organized in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Commerce, the Missouri District Export Council is a non-profit, non-political service organization that supports export expansion activities and serves as a communication link between the business community and the department.  Its services are aimed particularly at small and medium sized companies.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development Office of International Marketing places its major emphasis on the development of international export sales.  Their marketing team can assist your company in five critical areas – counseling, market research, international finance, marketing, and foreign relations.  Over 2,000 Missouri businesses are exporting more than $7.7 billion in products and services to almost 200 countries.  World markets are lucrative and the Office of International Marketing is helping Missouri businesses capture their share.

Missouri State University College of Business Administration’s International Business Program provides assistance to students, faculty, and the business community to develop and strengthen international understanding and economic competitiveness.

The Greater Ozarks International Trade Association (G.O.I.T.A.) was founded in 1991 to promote the region’s global trade interests and provide members with a forum to exchange ideas on specific issues affecting international commerce.  Membership benefits include networking, access to the membership roster, educational opportunities, newsletters, quarterly meetings including a social hour and featured speakers, as well as opportunities to become more involved through committee work.

The U. S. Small Business Administration's Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) was designed to provide short-term working capital to exporters. SBA has joined with the Export-Import Bank to offer a unified approach to the government's support of export financing through the EWCP. The Springfield SBDC has been designated as an official loan packager for this program. The proceeds of SBA loans can be used for the purchase of real estate to house the business operations, construction, renovation or leasehold improvements, acquisition of furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment, purchase of inventory, and working capital.

Other Partners and Useful Web Sites