Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) > International Trade

International Trade Assistance Resources

There are many New York City area and U.S. Government assistance programs that exist to help the small businessperson cultivate his or her international business venture.

New York City Area Organizations

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, brings volunteer retired business executives together with entrepreneurs and small business people in order to give them guidance and advice about their small businesses. The New York City chapter can help you with all types of international business matters such as determining fertile markets for your product or service, finding business partners and distributors in foreign markets, or finding financing for your business venture.  In addition to one-on-one counseling, SCORE offers programs and seminars, many of which are related to international trade. SCORE representatives are available at the Science, Industry and Business Library for one hour counseling sessions by appointment Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday-Thursday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. They can be reached at the library at 212-592-7033 during the above business hours. SCORE can also be contacted at their central New York location: 26 Federal Plaza (Duane St. at Broadway), Room 3100, New York, NY 10278.  Tel: 212-264-4507.

New York U.S. Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers a wide range of one-on-one counseling services helping businesses to export their products and services. They can help identify foreign markets, put you in touch with foreign distributors, agents, and importers, lead you to SBA and Export-Import Bank financing and offer other kinds of general support.  The New York office is located at 20 Exchange Place, 40^th Floor, New York, NY 10005.  Tel: 212-809-2675.

Office of the Mayor of the City of New York, Division for International Business – Promotes New York City as a location for international business concerns.

Manhattan International Development Corporation – Site is structured as a directory of trade information resources and a calendar of New York City area international business programs and events.

International Business Offices of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – Primarily exists to promote the facilities and services of the Port Authority to foreign businesses.

Empire State Development – Offers, among other services, export marketing counseling for either entering or expanding in foreign markets.  Offices are located in New York City, throughout New York State and abroad in Brazil, Chile, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Israel and Japan.

NEXCO – Hosts many international trade workshops and conferences in New York for international trade professionals.

Baruch College Weissman Center for International Business – Sponsors numerous programs, conferences and forums on topics relating to global economics and international trade.

New York City Business Solutions - While not intended specifically for international trade assistance, this city agency includes a listing of local, state, federal and nonprofit Import/Export Trade Resources

U.S. Government and other Organizations' Resources

SBA Office of International Trade – The international trade advisory service division of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

U.S. Business Advisor International Trade section – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s site for international business information and resources.

U.S. Trade Information Center – Maintained by the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, it is intended as a directory of resources to answer the frequently asked questions regarding export such as documentation, regulations, country information, market research, trade events, freight forwarders, assistance programs, etc.

www.export.gov - The official international trade portal created by the U.S. Department of Commerce with many links to materials produced by other U.S. Government agencies related to exporting.

BuyUSA.gov – United States Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce site to promote the export of U.S. products and services.  Includes “Doing Business in…” guide for each country.

U.S. International Trade Administration – The international trade promotion division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

U.S. Trade and Development Agency – Fosters U.S. commercial involvement in developing countries and works to improve the infrastructure and business trading environment in those countries.

GlobalEDGE – Michigan State University’s Center for International Business Education and Research portal for international trade research.

Federation of International Trade Associations – Features a regularly updated list of useful websites for international trade professionals.

United States Council for International Business – Represents the interests of American businesspersons to the U.S. Government, United Nations, and European Union among other international bodies.

Business Council for International Understanding – Sponsors programs to encourage dialogue between U.S. business interests and the U.S. and foreign governments.

United States Chamber of Commerce – Includes an online directory of American Chambers of Commerce Abroad

Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America

World Chambers Network – Features an online directory of local chambers of commerce worldwide

International Chamber of Commerce – International body working to increase international trade and job creation.

World Trade Centers Association On-Line – Network of World Trade Centers in place to help business people expand their businesses globally.

Organization of Women in International Trade – Networking organization for women and men doing business in all facets of international trade.

US-ASEAN Business Council – Organ of U.S. private business interests engaged in networking with business associations and government agencies in the 10-country ASEAN market.

U.S.-China Business Council – With offices in Washington, DC, Beijing and Shanghai, this non-profit organization represents the interests of established U.S. corporations as well as small- and medium-sized companies currently operating in China or intending to enter the Chinese market.  Also provides tailored business advisory services along with industry and market research.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council – “The global marketing arm and public service hub for Hong Kong-based manufacturers, traders and service exporters.” Their “activities are especially geared to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the chief drivers of Hong Kong’s trade.”

JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) – A Japanese government organization “that promotes mutually beneficial investment and trade relations between Japan and other nations.”

European-American Business Council – Represents the interests of EU and U.S. companies in transatlantic trade issues

Central European Business Association - New York based organization which promotes "the mutual advancement of professionals and students interested in economic and business developments taking place in Central Europe"

BISNIS: Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States – Market information resource for U.S. companies interested in conducting business in Russia and former Soviet Republics (Newly Independent States)

Council for Trade and Economic Cooperation (Russia-USA) – Promotes Russian-U.S. business contacts on a corporate level by providing a range of services such as consulting & assistance, investment, legal and customs advice.

ArabDatanet – Maintained by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, this site is gateway of business and economic news and information for the Arab world.

Google's Directory of International Business and Trade Associations