Tennessee has a network of export and industry specialists located throughout the state. Please visit their respective websites to learn more about the export-focused services they offer.
U.S. Commercial Service
The U.S. Commercial Service consists of a global network of experienced trade professionals located domestically and in U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. They offer expertise through their regional Export Assistance Centers, which support U.S. businesses with international market entry and expansion guidance.
- Visit U.S. Commercial Service Knoxville
- Visit U.S. Commercial Service Memphis
- Visit U.S. Commercial Service Nashville
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA’s District Offices are responsible for providing tools for enhancing and growing small businesses. These offices also oversee the delivery of SBA programs within their respective regions.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
EXIM is the official export credit agency of the U.S. and provides helpful resources for exporting businesses. Visit their website for a list of regional directors.
District Export Council
In partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, District Export Councils deliver workshops and seminars on exporting. They also assist local businesses with counseling services, identifying export financing sources, and building export assistance partnerships.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
These tools are designed to help businesses with a variety of export-related needs, from identifying suitable export markets to financing international transactions, and can be utilized by any business looking for export assistance.
- Export Solutions
A resource from the International Trade Administration with informational guides, upcoming events, and other tools that can help businesses initiate or expand their export activities.
- A Basic Guide to Exporting
A guide created by the US Commercial Service to help businesses identify ideal markets, develop an export plan, finance export transactions, handle orders and shipments, and locate sources of free or low-cost export counseling.
- Trade Tools for International Sales
A resource from the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of International Trade that helps businesses identify ideal markets, develop an export plan, find export finance programs, learn about applicable laws and regulations, and build a COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan.
- Tools for Exporters
Information in this resource from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) includes locators for insurance broker locators, working capital lenders, and Regional Export Promotion Program (REPP) members, as well as guides to country limitation schedules, exposure fees, claims processing, credit administration, and commercial interest rates.
Contact your local SBDC for no-cost business consulting and low-cost business training.
Tennessee Urban League Affiliates
The four Urban League Affiliates in Tennessee assist African-Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self- reliance, power, and civil rights. The League promotes economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life.
- Visit Urban League of Middle Tennessee
- Visit Knoxville Area Urban League
- Visit Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
- Visit Memphis Urban League
SCORE
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with approximately 10,000 volunteers in more than 230 chapters and 1,500 communities nationwide. Since its founding in 1964 as a resource partner for the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE has helped more than 11 million current and aspiring entrepreneurs start, grow or troubleshoot a business through mentoring, workshops, and educational services.
The key qualification SCORE mentors bring is real-world business experience. They are working and retired business owners, executives, and managers who have been through the same challenges and decisions that many entrepreneurs are facing today. In addition, SCORE mentors offer valuable expertise in specific industries. All SCORE volunteers receive specialized training offered by the association and are certified in mentoring methodology.
Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration