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International Trade
“How do I get my product on shelves in Brazil?” “What certifications does my business need to enter a foreign market?” “How can I participate in a European trade show?”
The partnership of Rhode Island Commerce, the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University and the United States Department of Commerce, U.S. Export Assistance Center routinely answers questions like these to help Rhode Island businesses assess their export readiness and develop a strategic plan to enter export markets.
The International Trade Partnership offers:
- Corporate training
- Strategic consulting services
- International market research
- Market entry strategies for countries around the world
- Assistance in developing international channel partners
- Assistance in developing global pricing models
- SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
- International business plan writing
- Assessment of a company’s global supply chain strategy
Whether you want to join a trade mission, learn about marketing overseas, find sources of grant money in support of international trade or participate in training sessions, we are here to help your business go global.
AVTECH Success Story
AVTECH Software, Inc., in Warren, RI, is the leading manufacturer of proactive environment monitoring solutions for critical facilities and assets. In business for 30 years, the company’s products are in use in 185 countries — a clear indication of a savvy approach to overseas business. But AVTECH has enjoyed even greater international success since partnering with Rhode Island Commerce and the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University.
“Prior to engaging with the Chafee Center and Rhode Island Commerce, our international sales accounted for approximately 23% of revenue,” said Richard Grundy, president of AVTECH. “In the last 12 months, this has grown to 32% of revenue, and we’re on track to see international sales reach 40% of revenue within the next 18 months.”
AVTECH’s engagement with Rhode Island Commerce and the Chafee Center began as practicum projects with Bryant University students. It has grown to include participation in trade missions to Israel, Ireland, the UK and the UAE, as well as regular exhibitions at overseas trade shows.
“The support we’ve received has been instrumental in helping us expand our customer base overseas,” said Mr. Grundy. “We are now a much more capable exporter, rapidly and confidently growing our international business. We’re inspired by the training and support provided by both the Chafee Center and Rhode Island Commerce.”
AVTECH encourages other Rhode Island businesses to take advantage of the wealth of assistance available from Rhode Island Commerce and the Chafee Center. Mr. Grundy said, “Their programs are wide-ranging and beneficial for nearly any type of business. Everyone at both organizations is eager to help and incredibly easy to work with.”
The John H. Chafee Center at Bryant University provides comprehensive international trade services to help your business expand into international markets. It has been awarded funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). This funding is administered as STEP grants for export activities to Rhode Island businesses. If you are interested in applying for eligible activities, please contact the Chafee Center.
For More Information:
Bryant University John H. Chafee Center for International Business
The following are STEP eligible export activities:
- Participation in foreign trade missions
- International trade shows
- Export services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce
- Design of international marketing campaigns
- Translation, search engine optimization and localization of websites
- Export training workshops and more
Foreign Trade Zone 105
A foreign trade zone (FTZ) is a specially-designated area in or adjacent to a U.S. Customs port of entry, that is considered “outside” the customs territory of the United States. FTZ #105, consists of three different geographic locations that are considered “magnet sites” under the Alternative Site Framework (ASF) regulations. As of September 2018, the entire State of Rhode Island is eligible for FTZ users under the ASF regulations. The three magnet sites are:
- Thirty-two acres at ProvPort, a 115-acre commercial and industrial inter-modal facility
- A 43-acre area at the Airport Business Center adjacent to T.F. Green Airport
- The Quonset Business Park and Port of Davisville, an 880-acre designation within the 3,000+ acre facility
For more information on the state of Rhode Island as an FTZ and learn about the Rules, Regulations, Rates and Charges (Zone Schedule) applying to Foreign Trade Zone 105 see below.
