Export assistance for Ohio small businesses
Free, confidential export counseling in Dayton and the Miami Valley, through the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network. Whether you're exploring your first international sale or growing into new markets, we'll help you with export readiness, international market research, finding buyers and export financing.
Request export counseling or call 937-210-9460How export counseling helps
Export counselors work with you one-on-one, at no cost, wherever your business is today.
Getting ready to export
For businesses that haven't sold internationally yet.
- Export readiness assessment
- Market research to find the best countries for your product
- Export business planning and marketing strategy
- Documentation, licensing and compliance basics
- Help finding export financing
Already exporting
For businesses ready to grow their international sales.
- Expanding into new markets
- Finding international buyers, distributors and partners
- Due diligence on potential partners
- Local product requirements and trade barriers
- Trade shows and trade missions
How it works
Request counseling
Fill out the short online form through the Ohio SBDC client portal.
Meet an export counselor
Talk through your product, your goals and the markets you're considering.
Get a plan
Leave with clear next steps, from research and paperwork to finding buyers and funding.
Common questions about exporting
Can my small business export?
Yes. Most U.S. exporters are small and mid-sized businesses, and you don't need to be large or experienced to start. Manufacturers, food producers, software and service companies, and businesses already selling online can all sell to customers in other countries. An export counselor can help you decide whether exporting makes sense for your business right now.
How do I know if my business is export-ready?
An export counselor walks you through a readiness assessment. It looks at whether your product sells well at home, whether you can handle more orders, what changes to packaging, labeling or pricing a new market might need, and how much time and money you can put toward international sales. You'll leave knowing your strengths and what to work on first.
How can the SBDC help me find international markets?
Counselors use international market research and trade data to find the countries with the most demand for your product. They look at competition, tariffs, regulations and shipping costs, and help you narrow the list to a few markets worth pursuing first.
Can you help me find international buyers?
Yes. Counselors help you find and check out foreign buyers, distributors and agents. They can also connect you with trade shows, trade missions and matchmaking services offered through state and federal partners.
Can the SBDC help me understand export financing?
Yes. The SBDC doesn't lend money, but a counselor can explain how to get paid safely by international customers, options such as export credit insurance and SBA and Export-Import Bank export loans, and State of Ohio grants that can offset some export costs.
Does export counseling cost anything?
No. Export counseling through the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network is free and confidential. Our Dayton office serves businesses in Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Shelby counties.
Programs that can help pay for it
The State of Ohio offers programs that can offset some export costs. Your counselor can tell you which ones fit your business and help you apply.
IMAGE grant
The International Market Access Grant for Exporters reimburses part of the cost of qualifying export activities, such as trade shows and marketing.
Export Internship Program
Matches your business with a college student trained in exporting, and reimburses part of the intern's wages.
International Market Support
Connects you with in-country help for market research and finding international customers.
Program details and eligibility change from year to year. See current information from the Ohio Department of Development.
Export Assistance Network flyer
A one-page overview of the network's services, to keep or share with a colleague.
Download the flyer (PDF)Ready to explore exporting?
Counseling is free and confidential. Tell us a little about your business, and we'll connect you with an export counselor.