News and Announcements

The U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a trade mission in conjunction with the Opportunities in Central America Business Development Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica on July 15-19, 2013. Trade mission participants will be able to take part in the conference and have business-to-business meetings in up to two of the following countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and/or Belize.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) promotes the ability of minority business enterprises (MBE) to grow and to participate in the global economy through a range of activities that include funding a network of centers that provide MBEs a variety of business assistance services. Through its direct federal client services and its network of funded centers, MBDA: (1) fosters the expansion of opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the global marketplace; (2) identifies sources of financial capital for minority-owned firms; (3) develops and upgrades electronic tools to provide access to growth markets through automated matching of MBEs to public and private sector opportunities; (4) provides management and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses; and (5) advocates for the increased use of electronic commerce and new technologies by MBEs.

Recognizes 7th Annual National Entrepreneurship Week February 16-23, 2013

WHAT
The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a series of webinars in recognition of the seventh annual National Entrepreneurship Week.  The emphasis will be on how the next generation of small business owners can leverage crowdfunding as an alternative finance option to start and grow their businesses.

WHEN
February 19-21, 2013, daily at 3:00 p.m. (ET)

Last year was another record-setting year for U.S. exporters.

Data released today shows that in 2012, American exports totaled $2.2 trillion, eclipsing the previous record of $2.1 trillion in exports in 2011.

This represents more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s further proof that “Made in the USA” products are in demand all over the world.  It also means that more U.S. businesses are seizing the great opportunities in the global markets, continuing to help pave our nation’s road to economic recovery.