State Export Assistance Programs
To compete effectively in today's global marketplace, Rhode Island companies need to engage in exporting as a means of market expansion. Recognizing the importance of exporting to the future growth of our economy, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) has partnered with the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University to provide comprehensive export programs to Rhode Island companies.
Through this partnership, we offer vital introductory and developmental services to those businesses seeking to tap the external markets overseas, including programs in training and education, marketing, sales lead development, and individual counseling in the area of International Trade:
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation - EXPORT SERVICES
Maureen Mezei, International Trade Director
Katherine Tufts, Associate International Trade Director
Phone: 401-278-9100 Fax : 401-273-8270
Export Trade Missions and Trade Shows: To assist Rhode Island companies to sell into international markets, RIEDC recruits companies to participate in export missions and trade shows. RIEDC develops a detailed profile of the participating company's products including technical, marketing and distribution characteristics. Based on these specific requirements, RIEDC conducts market research in the target countries and schedules customized, one-on-one business appointments. In-country logistical support, as well as pre- and post-mission services, is provided.
As principal liaison with foreign governments RIEDC hosts incoming trade delegations from other countries and provides business matches with interested Rhode Island companies.
Customized Export Management Training Programs: In partnership with the Governor's Workforce Board (GWB), the RIEDC provides funding for export training programs to qualified Rhode Island companies. International business is rapidly becoming the road to growth and prosperity for many Rhode Island companies. Through this program, eligible Rhode Island companies may obtain up to $5,000 in matching funds to address their international training needs. Consortiums may apply for additional funding. The goal of this program is to create jobs in Rhode Island by boosting exports. Companies may implement training in the following areas: International Business Plan Development; Market Entry Strategies; Export Logistics; International Trade Mission/Show Development; Language Training.
Market Entry: The Market Entry Program administered by the international trade partnership of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) and the United States Department of Commerce (USDOC), trains Rhode Island companies to build distribution networks in export markets. This is accomplished by identifying and scheduling meetings with qualified distributors, agents or end-users in targeted foreign markets.
Through the Market Entry Program, experienced U.S. Department of Commerce Industry Specialists, located in American Embassies and Consulates around the world, schedule one-on-one business meetings with pre-qualified business contacts whose interests and objectives match a company's needs. They determine if demand exists for the company's products and services, screen the market, and schedule appointments in the target country with the best contacts available. The service is available in more than 70 of the world's best markets.
General Export Assistance: RIEDC's International Trade Office answers hundreds of general export questions–whether it is how to ship a product overseas, how to collect payment for foreign sales, or how to label products in foreign languages.
The John H. Chafee Center for International Business
Contact:
Raymond W. Fogarty, Director
Bryant University
1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917
Phone: (401) 232-6407
- International Trade Data Network (http://www.itdn.net) is a nationally recognized trade information system. Data is gathered daily from diverse sources and presented in an easy-to-use format. ITDN partners include individuals and organizations whose objectives include economic development, trade promotion, global partnerships, and international education.
Contact:
ITDN Administrator
Phone: (401) 232-6976
- The Country and Industry Program: Customized research for businesses and agencies to assist development of new markets, appropriate export strategies and policies, and other programs.
Contact:
Country & Industry Program Manager
Phone: (401) 232-6407 - Global Link Videoconference Program: Videoconferencing boosts corporate profitability while reducing costly traveling expenses and increasing productivity. Integrate multimedia with video meetings while establishing and maintaining relationships with distributors, joint venture partners, customers, suppliers and other colleagues worldwide.
Contact:
Dennis McCarthy, Global Link Manager
Phone: (401) 232-6525 - Seminars on International Trade: Numerous training programs are offered each month including business breakfasts, full and half day seminars and customized training on all topics of international trade. Programs guide participants through the export process, teach about importing, the role of the US Customs and Commerce departments, transportation and logistics and business planning and finance.
Contact:
Dee deHaas, Assistant Director, Administration and Training
Phone: (401) 232-6405 - The Video Streaming Training Module Library: A collection of video-streamed modules on various international trade topics. Access is at no charge for Rhode Island companies.
Contact:
Dennis McCarthy
Phone: (401) 232-6525 - Webcast Technology Webcast technology provides an engaging and innovative way to offer training programs and information to individuals at their convenience. This unique technology delivers streamed material to your desktop, either in a live and interactive session, or as an archived presentation to be viewed at your convenience. Log on to our website www.chafeecenter.org/ to stream the latest international trade content to your desktop, or contact our office for information on how your organization can use webcasting internally.
- The World Trade Center Rhode Island (WTCRI) was developed in 1970 with the purpose of expanding world trade and promoting international business relationships and understanding among nations. Through the World Trade Center RI, Rhode Island's state association, members have access to a variety of services including trade information, market research, trade show and mission support, video conferencing facilities, seminars and more. Membership and services are available through the Chafee Center for International Business.
Phone: 401-232-6409
US Department Of Commerce (DOC)
The Commercial Service of the US Department of Commerce is the lead federal trade promotion agency. Its primary focus is on assisting small and medium size American firms to enter and/or expand into foreign markets with a variety of programs and services.Your company's successful entry into overseas markets is our goal. No other government agency and very few corporations, have the global capabilities of the Commercial Service. Our domestic trade professionals serve as the front line for one-on-one federal export counseling. These highly trained individuals provide advice and deliver trade facilitation and business expansion programs to meet your company's requirements.The Commercial Service has strategically located offices in over 70 U.S/ cities and more than 130 offices all over the world with more than 1,400 employees dedicated to serving you. We are a government agency with a bottom-line focus and a commitment to US business and job creation.
Contact:
Keith Yatsuhashi, Manager
District Export Assistance Center
315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 528-5104
New England Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, Inc.
NETAAC, a partnership of the six New England governors and private enterprise, is a private, non-profit, 501(C)(3) corporation that provides business services in the six New England states.
The New England Trade Adjustment Assistance Center provides consulting services to manufacturers that have lost business due to foreign competition. The Company is responsible for implementing the Trade Adjustment Assistance program for firms, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce. To properly deliver services to eligible manufacturers, NETAAC has developed the following mission statement:
NETAAC's goal is to provide timely, cost-effective and material business services to manufacturing clients within the six New England states. The goal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program is to retain and expand domestic manufacturing jobs, and to reduce the U.S. Trade Deficit. To achieve this goal, it is NETAAC's philosophy that the only true protection for U.S. workers and industries versus foreign competition is for the domestic manufacturers to be profitable, and manufacturing process technology and labor productivity to be equal to or better than World Class standards.
NETAAC is dedicated to analyzing the existing operating conditions of client companies to determine their strengths and weaknesses, and their situation in the marketplace. On the basis of this analysis, strategies are developed and implemented that enable the client companies to increase profitability and productivity, and their competitiveness to equal World-Class standards. Most importantly, NETAAC will aid the manufacturer in implementing appropriate actions that will materially enhance the client firm's manufacturing process capabilities to effectively compete in an increasingly interdependent and competitive global economy.
Contact:
Executive Director
600 Suffolk Street
Lowell, MA 01854
Phone:(978)446-9870
The US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) assists lenders in providing financing to their business customers to support export transactions, develop foreign markets, and compete more effectively against imports. SBA provides services to help businesses identify and develop foreign markets, and increase their knowledge of international trade. Download SBA books and fact sheets on international trade, including Breaking Into The Trade Game: A Small Business Guide to Exporting, which takes you step-by-step through the export process.
- Financial Assistance: SBA guarantees up to 90% of a loan made by a private lending institution to an eligible small business. Maximum loan size is $2 million. Businesses need to be in operation (although not necessarily exporting) for one year. Businesses may be pre-qualified by SBA for a guaranty on a loan
- Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) provides transaction specific financing or revolving lines of credit. The loan proceeds may be used to support: Pre-export: finance labor and materials used in the manufacture or purchase of goods for export, Post-export: finance accounts receivable generated from export sales, Combination of above, and/or Stand-by Letters of Credit used as performance bond or payment guaranty to foreign buyer.
- International Trade Loans provide a 75-85% guaranty depending on loan size. The proceeds may be used for fixed asset construction or acquisition, and permanent working capital. Loans enable eligible businesses to compete more effectively against imports, and to expand or develop export markets.
- Export Express Loans are for business needs up to $250,000 and represent the simplest way to get SBA financing. The lender uses all of their own forms, policies and procedures, yet still gets an SBA guaranty up to 85%. The loan can be used for various purposes, as long as the net result is that export markets will be explored or developed with some portion of the loan. The guaranty allows the lender to offer more competitive terms to borrowers. SBA's Regional International Trade Offices are co-located with the US Department of Commerce in the US Export Assistance Center (USEAC) in the World Trade Center, Boston, MA. The USEAC coordinates export assistance services available through the federal government to New England businesses. The SBA contact is John Joyce, International Trade Officer, (617) 424-5953.
Contact:
Marilyn Bogue, Team Leader
380 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 528-4585
TDD: (401) 528-4690
US Customs & Border Protection
Customs & Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States at the country's borders with respect to goods entering or leaving the country. Prior to shipping your first export, you should consult the customs director in your area.
Contact:
Richard Barrette, Port Director
49 Pavilion Avenue
Providence, RI 02905
Phone: (401) 941-6326
Maureen Mezei