Join Us Online
Using Zoom, the OSBDCN Global Trade Center hosts web-based professional networking opportunities for small business owners adapting to these uncertain times. Led by trade advisors and subject matter experts, these no-cost remote meetings will offer a facilitated gathering place to come together in community to share resources and ideas as we turn our focus toward small business recovery, resilience, and innovating through adverse times.

Conversations with Experts
Connect with other global professionals and business owners to discuss international trade with leading experts in the field. The OSBDCN Global Trade Virtual Meetup provides an opportunity to convene, explore the impact COVID-19 is having on the global economy and the path forward as businesses around the world reopen and recover. Facilitated by the OSBDCN Global Trade Center Liaison and Trade Specialist David Kohl, in conjunction with trade partners and international trade experts, the OSBDCN Global Trade Virtual Meetup provides opportunities for networking, learning, sharing resources, and stories of navigating in uncharted and uncertain global environments.

Special guests will be announced via Meetup as the dates approach; please join the discussion and raise any questions related to your small business needs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 9, 2021 - The global trade resource community for small business
We will be introducing key global trade resources available to small businesses. Please join us with questions and stories about your business. Whether you have previous experience with international business or are newly looking to build resilience into your operation through a global orientation, this session will provide information about, and access to no-cost resources and subject matter experts dedicated to facilitating your international success.

March 9, 2021- Do Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) matter? What should I pay attention to related to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)?
With the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) now in place, we will be discussing how free trade agreements work and what elements of the USMCA are worth paying attention to for small business.  

April 13, 2021 - When to say ‘no’ to international business?
Although global activity can bring consistency and resiliency to cash flow and global partnerships offer the potential for increased efficiency of production, it is unwise to jump into an international business arrangement prematurely. We will be discussing some of the common pitfalls and mistakes that small businesses make with regards to international opportunities and how to avoid them. 

May 11, 2021 - Getting paid - Payment terms for export sales
Concern about getting paid is the biggest objection that small businesses have for engaging in international sales. Please join us as we discuss the various tools and techniques that small businesses employ with regards to payment terms to ensure timely and consistent payment on export sales.

June 8, 2021 - E-commerce considerations for exporters
E-commerce is the new normal for retail and greatly enhances the ability for small businesses to sell internationally. Please join us as we discuss platforms, techniques, opportunities and pitfalls that small businesses have experienced selling online.

July 13, 2021 - GDPR compliance- EU online privacy law
The EU online privacy law is a critical consideration for businesses operating in Europe. Please join us as we discuss GDPR, its requirements, and resources for maintaining compliance. We will also discuss the proliferation of online privacy laws in the US as well.

August 10, 2021 - Export Compliance primer – what you need to consider
We will be reviewing and discussing the basic elements of export compliance. Not understanding these regulations can be costly and could even land you in jail. This applies to e-commerce sales as well as traditional export activity. Please join us and make sure that you are staying out of trouble! 

September 14, 2021 - Finding & understanding HTS, duty and tariffs
Knowing the harmonized codes for your specific products and services is critical to successful export activity. Please join us as we go over how to find your proper codes and how to understand duties and tariffs.

October 12, 2021 - What can a freight forwarder do for me?  How to select one?
Managing the movement of goods and services is a critical aspect of international trade. We will be discussing how freight forwarders assist small businesses with the details of logistics, and how best to choose what is right for your situation. 

November 9, 2021 - Can I claim “Made in America”?
With all that goes into manufacturing a product, it can be confusing to know when a product can be labeled as “Made in the USA”. Please join us for a discussion on the parameters of when a product can be labeled as “Made in the USA”, and be confident in your claims. 

December 14, 2021 - Using USPS for international shipping
The US Postal Service is a common resource for small businesses that ship internationally. Hear how USPS can assist your business in its global activity and learn how to optimize these services.