Markets outside of the U.S. make up 95% of the world’s consumers.  The estimated consumption of the global middle class is $35 trillion dollars by 2030.  And 80% of the global purchasing power – right now! – lies outside of our nation’s borders.  What does that mean for your business?  Well, it could mean that figuring out an export strategy today will set you up for some serious growth in the future.

How do you know if your company is a candidate?  

Maybe you’ve seen an uptick in requests or website hits from outside the U.S.  Maybe you’ve heard about another market overseas and can see your company’s product or service filling a need there.  Or maybe you have a seasonal business state-side and you’d like to find a way to stabilize sales and retain your staff year-round.  If any of those scenarios resonate, you may be poised for export growth.  If so, you are in good company.  Metro-Atlanta is the #14 market in the U.S. for exports, so there is plenty of institutional knowledge in this region to help you get on the right track.  And Georgia has great infrastructure, with excellent port access, rail lines and interstates, to allow businesses to take advantage of global markets, which they do in spades.  

Embarking on an export strategy doesn’t have to be complicated.  Simply translating your company’s website can improve your reach.  (A recent study by Common Sense shows that 71% of worldwide buyers prefer to purchase from a website in their native language.)  And social media now makes it easier than ever to reach out to potential markets and narrow your focus. You can then translate feedback from your digital outreach efforts to identify relevant trade shows and conferences with a global reach, or even embark on an international trade mission to meet your potential customers face-to-face.  

If your company hasn’t thought globally yet, it should.  Consider exporting.  And after you consider it, let our region’s resources help you to get started.  The International Trade office at the Georgia Department of Economic Development has contractors all over the world, with local knowledge and local connections that can help get your company in the door of a new market.  The Small Business Development Center has an International Trade division with consultants that can get you export-ready, develop financing strategies that mitigate risks, and research potential international markets in addition to their Export Georgia training series that provides a comprehensive overview of specific market resources and your very own international trade intern.  

Want to know more?  Here’s where to look:

Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department 706-613-3233

Georgia Department of Economic Development | International Trade Division  404-962-4122

UGA SBDC International Trade Center 678-985-6820