An outstanding source for evaluatiing a company's potential and opportunities in global trade is available from the Missouri Department of Economic Development (www.ded.mo.gov), which offers several programs for companies considering international trade.
Get Tested!
One of the first steps a company should consider is the DED's Export Readiness Assessment System (ERAS), which we have made available here. The questionnaire is submitted to DED staff members who can then assist the company. The PDF can be downloaded, completed and mailed or faxed to the DED.
Another, useful source is the U.S. Department of Commerce's Export.gov Web site (www.export.gov) which even features an online export questionnaire (http://hq-intranet04.ita.doc.gov/bid/export_questionnaire.asp) that will also rate a company's export readiness.
Still another resource is the U.S. Commercial Service (Kansas City) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which has a number of free programs, as well as some with fees. A federal government agency dedicated to helping small-to-medium sized Kansas and Missouri companies, they develop international markets. Their experienced staff of International Trade Specialists will help you identify and evaluate international partners, navigate international documentation challenges, create market entry strategies, and provide other export related guidance. The U.S. Commercial Service office located in Kansas City, Missouri is part of an international network of global professionals. They have 165 offices in 82 countries throughout the world. For more information, visit www.buyusa.gov/kansascity or call 816-421-1876.
More from the DED
Other Missouri DED Web assets include:
Business Solutions: offers businesses a wide range of tools and detailed information. Although it focuses somewhat to businesses seeking to relocate in the state, much of the information such as financial incentives is available to almost any company.
Global Business Assistance: includes the International Trade and Investment Brochure and information on events such as the 2009 Bio-Japan World Business Forum.
The Business and Community Services Division (www.missouridevelopment.org) promotes Missouri as a great place to do business and helps create the environment that will stimulate family supporting jobs and new private investment. Of special note is the divisions Sales and other Teams that offer services directly related to international business,
Also helpful are various business forms and guides, that include the Export Assistance Form (offered above) as well as other usefull information and ways to submit questions to the DED.
