The recent coronavirus pandemic has created uncertainty for businesses seeking to expand their products or services to customers outside the US - and for understandable reasons. The professionals working at the PCC SBDC and Global Trade Center continue to monitor all developments as it relates to small business and will contribute that expertise to the Global Trade Management Series for the foreseeable future.

Now is the time to start planning for our upcoming courses! We've summarized all upcoming programs and start dates below. Get in touch if you'd like to learn more about a program or need help with enrollment.

Renowned Instructor and Trade Expert Jim Foley partners with PCC SBDC to lead a course preparing students to become certified global business professionals thorough NASBITE - the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators. PCC's Small Business Development Center hosts the two-and-a-half-day program at its Global Trade Center in downtown Portland.  

Scott, what drives you towards advising and teaching for the Global Trade Center (GTC)?   I have worked with the GTC and its predecessor for over twenty years as a part of the Oregon trade service providers community.  Oregon has a unique partnership of local (Global Trade Center), state (Business Oregon) and Federal (US Commercial Services) partners who service exporters through training, counseling and other services to support their success in global markets.  I joined the GTC to continue to contribute to that role.

Updated March 2023

Warren Banks has been with the PCC Small Business Development Center for twelve years. He currently works as a co-facilitator and advisor for the Buying and Selling Outside the U.S. training program. Over the years, he's helped hundreds of small businesses across Oregon take advantage of the global marketplace. Today, he shares his journey and knowledge with us.

Warren, tell us why you love teach & advise? I love to learn about companies and help them get to where they want to be. In general, I’m one of those people who want to help others--I think most people are. By helping others, I feel that I am paying it forward. When I help out these business owners and employees, I get to share some of the many resources I’ve found over the years.

Global Trade Liaison, David Kohl, enjoys working with a wide range of businesses to assist them in understanding the opportunities and challenges related to global trade. He feels gratified when facilitating an increased perspective that leads to business success both domestically AND internationally. Here is his story. . . 

With 70% of the world’s purchasing power existing outside of U.S. borders, global trade is an appealing prospect even to small businesses. This is especially true when you recall some of the data about how international trade is good for Oregon’s economy in general, as well as small businesses specifically. But it’s important to remember that being a great choice for some companies doesn’t make global exportation the right choice for your business. That’s why we’ve gathered three benefits and risks to help you determine how international trade can impact your business.

Each May is World Trade Month, which makes now the perfect time to explore the role global trade plays in the economy. Given 95% of the world’s population and 75% of consumers reside outside the US, global trade is responsible for a significant number of jobs as well as business stability and growth. This isn’t restricted to major corporations either; small businesses actually have a lot to gain from exporting. Today’s post will highlight some of the reasons and the ways Oregon small businesses can get involved.

It’s believed that 95% of the world's customers exist outside the United States, and indeed, 70% of the world’s purchasing power exists beyond our borders. Exports have a major impact on the U.S. economy (more than $2 trillion just over five years ago, or nearly 14% of the GDP) and companies that participate in global export are more robust, growing faster while becoming 8.5% less likely to go out of business. You may believe that means only big businesses and corporations can afford that kind of investment, but the truth is, despite the fact that medium and small businesses only represent less than a third of export value, they make up 98% of U.S. exporters.