The International Trade Division is the Vermont Department of Economic Development’s center for export business assistance. Our programs help Vermont businesses succeed in international markets by providing access to educational seminars, trade show participation, technical assistance, and one-on-one consulting services. Grants and funding assistance are also available for businesses to obtain the exposure necessary to make international transactions possible. We provide the following services, many free or heavily discounted:
- Market sourcing and lead generation;
- Market research;
- Trade counseling and advice;
- Grant funding assistance for education, trade show participation, foreign trade missions, website localization, and technical assistance;
- Educational seminars from an extensive network of partners on international business topics, such as ExporTech. *
The International Trade Division also provides businesses with valuable information, such as assistance navigating Foreign Trade Zone Agreements, business market expansion and relocation assistance associated with foreign direct investment, and attending international trade shows with Vermont businesses via the State Trade Expansion Program.
*ExporTech is a training program developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Designed for small companies already doing some international sales, the program assists participating companies in developing a formal international growth plan, provides experts to review their plans, and connects the companies with organizations that will help them move quickly beyond planning to actual export sales.
RESOURCES:
Watch a recording of Vermont Manufacturing Extension Centers (VMEC) Noontime Knowledge webinar overview on Export Assistance Resources
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) ExporTech program.
Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) Certified Trade Advisors: https://www.vtsbdc.org/export-import/
U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration: https://www.trade.gov/export-solutions
Vermont U.S. Export Assistance Center – U.S. Commercial Service: https://2016.export.gov/vermont/
Small Business Administration – Online Export Assistance Center: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/export-products
USA.gov - https://www.usa.gov/import-export
Export-Import Bank (EXIM) – Export Credit Insurance https://grow.exim.gov/blog/darn-tough-vermont