There is a global trade expert in your market and another as close as your email or your phone. The costs to export your products and services abroad are constantly decreasing, making it easier for small- and medium-sized companies to reach consumers across the globe. Whether you’re a small clothing retailer looking to find niche markets in Asia, or a consumer electronics producer looking to tap into an emerging market in South America, exporting abroad is a cost-effective way to quickly improve your bottom line amidst slow growth in many domestic markets. It may seem daunting for small- and medium-sized firms to go global,but there are many resources that are locally available that can help firms export abroad. Local development offices in states, cities, and regions, along with elected officials and local chamber’s of commerce all have experts on hand to answer any questions and deal with any reservations you may have about exporting. In addition, there is a regular schedule of trade missions, fairs, webinars, and workshops that can be used as resources to help small and medium sized firms access new markets. Upcoming events include: 1. Is Exporting Right for You? Thursday, March 22, 2012 Minneapolis, MN This seminar will help you decide if exporting to new markets would be a viable way for you to grow your revenue and profits, as well as get the right tools and resources available in order to begin doing so.   2. Hot Market Watch: Selling to Brazil, China, South Korea & ASEAN Thursday, March 22, 2012 Cincinnati, OH This Annual Conference is the region’s largest international event of its kind. The Xavier/SODEC “Hot Market Watch” Conference is an annual event organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service in Cincinnati and hosted by Xavier University’s Williams College of Business & the Southern Ohio District Export Council (SODEC). This year’s conference will focus on the “hot markets” of Brazil, China, South Korea & the ASEAN region and will provide market updates, tools, & resources for U.S. companies interested in selling to or expanding further into these countries and regions.   3. World Trade Week May 14 – 25, 2012 New York, NY Every year, the President of the United States declares the third full week of May as World Trade Week. Trade organizations, businesses and other stakeholders come together both nationally and locally to promote and facilitate international trade in the U.S. economy. The New York City tri-state region’s trade and transportation community celebrates World Trade Week by offering a full agenda of educational seminars, global business networking events and the Awards Breakfast that recognizes the exemplary achievements by practitioners in the field. Events like these will help you take your business from local to global, and help your company access new markets. Do you know of other events? We are happy to spread the word. Add a note in a comment below or write to us at info@exportnow.com.