Export Assistance Tools

These tools are designed to help businesses with a variety of export-related needs, from identifying suitable export markets to financing international transactions, and can be utilized by any business looking for export assistance.

• Export Solutions
  A resource from the International Trade Administration with informational guides, upcoming events, and other tools that can help businesses initiate or expand their export activities.

• A Basic Guide to Exporting
  A guide created by the US Commercial Service to help businesses identify ideal markets, develop an export plan, finance export transactions, handle orders and shipments, and locate sources of free or low-cost export counseling.

• Trade Tools for International Sales
  A resource from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of International Trade that helps businesses identify ideal markets, develop an export plan, find export finance programs, learn about applicable laws and regulations, and build a COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan.

• Tools for Exporters
  Information in this resource from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) includes locators for insurance broker locators, working capital lenders, and Regional Export Promotion Program (REPP) members, as well as guides to country limitation schedules, exposure fees, claims processing, credit administration, and commercial interest rates.

The U.S. Commercial Service consists of a global network of experienced trade professionals both within the United States and in U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide. They offer expertise through their regional Export Assistance Centers, which work to connect U.S. businesses to lucrative opportunities and increase their bottom line.

• Bakersfield
• Fresno
• Indio
• Irvine
• Los Angeles
• Los Angeles West
• Monterey
• Oakland
• Ontario
• Sacramento
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• San Jose
• San Rafael
• Ventura

SBA’s District Offices are responsible for providing tools for enhancing and growing small businesses. These offices also oversee the delivery of SBA programs within their respective regions.

• Fresno
• Los Angeles
• Orange County / Inland Empire
• Sacramento
• San Diego
• San Francisco

EXIM is the official export credit agency of the United States, and as such provides a variety of helpful resources for exporting businesses. Visit their website for a list of regional directors, including their contact information and the California counties for which they are responsible:

• Western Region

In partnership with the US Commercial Service, District Export Councils deliver workshops and seminars on exporting. They also assist local businesses with counseling services, identifying export financing sources, and building export assistance partnerships.

• Central California
• Inland Empire
• Northern California
• San Diego / Imperial
• Southern California

World Trade Center staff provide direct assistance to businesses from various California regions in order to help them achieve success in their exporting activities.

• Los Angeles
• Northern California
• San Diego

Contact your local SBDC for no-cost business consulting and low-cost business training.

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• SBDC Locator Tool

California is a destination for students from around the world to study at some of the best universities in the country. Public and private universities throughout the state encourage international students to apply.

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