The NH Export Accelerator, a new program to help NH small businesses launch and increase international sales is being launched thorugh a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA), and the NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
The NH Export Accelerator merges educational sessions and one-on-one business and export advising to help a business build an export plan specifically designed for them. Companies that complete the program will then be prepared to apply for an SBA STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) grant through the OIC and receive an Export Ready Business Certification.
Participants will become SBDC and BEA clients, and receive individual advising and coaching from SBDC, BEA, USCS, SBA, and members of the NH District Export Council (DEC). Export specialists will provide confidential counseling, training, and customized research to help a company evaluate its business operations with global sales in mind.
“New Hampshire businesses have set an export record every year for the past several years. International markets are increasingly a profitable option for many small businesses across the state, and this program will be another tool in our toolbox in facilitating that success,” says Taylor Caswell, commissioner of BEA.
Participants in the Accelerator program will create an export plan that prioritizes key markets, identifies financing, and helps to take advantage of international opportunities. They will access five training sessions (one in person and four online), individualized SBDC business advising, and OIC export coaching.
“I am thrilled that SBDC is working with federal and state partners to bring new exporting programs to the Granite State’s small businesses,” says Liz Gray, NH SBDC state director. “This is the first time that this group of partners are united in their efforts to present combined training opportunities, expert business advising, and export coaching for companies ready to take the next step in their exporting journey. The extraordinary experience and knowledge available to businesses through this partnership will benefit participants and will lead to job creation and economic growth.”
The first session is two-hours in-person in Concord on May 23. Other sessions are 90-minute webinars on June 6, June 20, July 12, and July 18. Topics include: "The World is Open for Your Business: Designing an Export Strategy and an International Marketing Plan;" "Export Advice: Leveraging Federal and State Resources and Pitfalls to Avoid;" "International Methods of Exporting and Channel Partner Options;" "Finding Qualified Buyers and Avoiding Financial Risk;" "Preparing Your Product for Export and Engaging the International Marketplace (Next Steps)".
The registration fee is $150 per business. Each participating business may bring up to two participants. Information and how to register for NH Export Accelerator is available at nhsbdc.org/nh-export-accelerator.
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