International Trade Services
International trade opportunities for Florida-based companies are expanding, and the Florida SBDC at UCF can help prepare your business for globalization. Our International Trade Services are designed to connect export-ready new-to-market, new-to-export businesses with International Trade Specialists who can personally deliver the tools, strategies, and expertise needed to help grow and succeed abroad. They’ll guide you through the complexities of developing and executing an aggressive international growth strategy—putting you on the road to success.
Why Trade?
Florida’s strategic positioning and abundance of resources make it a prime location for trade. Ninety-five percent of the world’s population and more than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is outside the U.S. Research shows that more than 95% of exporters are small to medium-sized businesses that together produce two-thirds of Florida’s total export value. Statistics show that businesses expanding to international markets grow an average of 15% faster and are 12% more profitable
International Trade Services
One-on-One Consulting
International Trade Specialists provide one-on-one consulting to help you:
- Understand the basics of international trade
- Determine which licenses are required
- Compile market research
- Understand country requirements for products
- Prepare an Export Marketing Plan
“Since starting with the FSBDC we have been able to see some definite growth. The creation of a solid Export Marketing Plan enabled us to expand from the few countries that we had worked with before the FSBDC to today when we are able to sell our products, services and systems in over 43 different countries.”
Thanks to the Export Marketing Plan we didn’t take a shotgun approach. We looked at markets one-by-one and decided which areas we wanted to target and which ones we didn’t. It allowed us to go into new markets with a good plan and a strong understanding of what we would be dealing with
“The FSBDC has been great from Day One. The Export Marketing Plan set the standard and now, as the journey continues, every time we have a question or hit a roadblock, they are there for us. The have been helpful, responsive and provided the resources we need. They have been just a tremendous support.”
“FSBDC export marketing plan has been instrumental in the success of Hernon Manufacturing. For Hernon Manufacturing the export marketing plan laid out the road map translating in best return on investment concentrating where more business potential is available for our products.”
Export Marketing Plan Services
Assist qualified new-to-export manufacturers and service providers with overseas growth strategies through the development of customized Export Marketing Plans. Provided in partnership with Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Services, the Export Marketing Plan includes:
- a thorough readiness assessment
- industry and market analysis with target market recommendations
- a review of overseas trade opportunities
- and an action plan that may include trade mission participation.
The cost for preparation of an Export Marketing Plan is $5,000. Qualifying companies are eligible for a $4,500 scholarship, making the cost to your company $500.
- To learn more about our Export Marketing Plan Services, download our Export Marketing Plan Flyer.
- Apply for our Export Marketing Plan Services
Service Benefits
- Strategize with International Trade Specialists who are Certified Global Business Professionals by the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE), the benchmark for competency in global commerce
- Determine key target markets
- Develop country launch strategies
- Connect with international buyers
International Trade Success Stories
Featured Field Experts
Rafael E.M. Pratts
International Trade Specialist
rpratts@ucf.edu
- Areas of Consulting: Digital Marketing, International Business, Business Development, Business Plan Strategy and Development, Business Start-Up, and Multimedia Design
- Education: MBA, Marketing, Regent University; BBA, International Business, Florida International University
- Certifications: Certified e-Marketer, Certified Global Business Professional, Certified Business Consultant
