Arkansas State University’s Small Business and Technology Development Center will join with the Arkansas District Export Council and the Arkansas Export Assistance Center to launch “Export University” this month. “Export University”is directed toward Arkansas companies wanting to engage in international trade or expand into new international markets.
Produced in cooperation with the Arkansas U.S. Commercial Service, the training is built around the “Export University” series of courses on exporting designed by the National District Export Council, a volunteer, non-profit network associated with the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The first “Export University” offering will include an introductory session and four-part certificate program on international market development.
Live programs in Little Rock will follow introductory events in Jonesboro, Little Rock and Fayetteville with simultaneous videoconferencing at locations in Jonesboro and Fayetteville.
“Export U will provide tools to help Arkansas companies launch an export initiative and gain new skills and adopt innovative techniques to increase international sales,” Graham Catlett, chair of Arkansas District Export Council, said.
Courses are designed to provide novice or experienced exporters with the tools theyneed to effectively organize their export operations and expand into new international markets.
Potential participants are asked to take an export readiness assessment at www.arkansasexport.com. Companies that answer yes to seven of the nine questions are invited to register for the “Export U Introduction” that will be held on the following dates and locations:
·Jonesboro–Jan. 31, 1-3 p.m., Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development,
·Little Rock–Feb. 1, 9-11 a.m., University of Arkansas at Little Rock Reynolds Business Center,
·Fayetteville–Feb. 2, 9-11 a.m., University of Arkansas Reynolds Center.
The free introductory events aredesigned for all levels of staff at companies that are selling primarily into one market or region that seek to increase their capabilities to identify and communicate with buyers, banks, logistics intermediaries, and others who are part of an export transaction. Topics covered include:
·How to Identify International Markets
·How to Identify International Partners/Representatives
·Logistics/Transportation
·Payments
Companies answering yes to fewer than seven questions on the export readiness assessment should contact the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at (800) 862-2040 or (501)683-7700 for training and assistance.
Certificate Program– The four segments of the certificate program will be taught live in Little Rock with a simultaneous video conference feed in Jonesboro and Fayetteville.There is a $100 registration fee for the series. Pre-registration is required.
·Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m. – International Market Development
·March 1, 1-3 p.m. – Identifying and Managing Overseas Representatives/International Contracts
·March 15, 1-3 p.m. – International Logistics/Transportation
·April 3, 1-3 p.m. – International Payment Mechanisms
To learn more about Export University and the Arkansas District Export Council, visit www.arkansasexport.com.
