Selling internationally can open new opportunities for Houston businesses, but navigating unfamiliar markets, financing, regulations and logistics can make it difficult to know where to begin. Export Houston is designed to make that process easier.
The Greater Houston Partnership, which serves as World Trade Center Houston, developed Export Houston jointly with the U.S. Commercial Service, EXIM Bank and Port Houston, with supporting expertise and information provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The program gives businesses guidance, expert connections and tools to move from exploring exports to pursuing international sales.
Export Houston has three key components: a comprehensive online Resource Library with export guidance and tools; a three-day World Trade Center International Trade Certificate Program; and a selective yearlong cohort for experienced exporters looking to enter new markets and grow international sales.
Together, these offerings help businesses at different stages of the export journey. Here are five ways Export Houston can help companies prepare for global growth.
1. Assess export readiness
For companies new to exporting, one of the first challenges is knowing where to begin. Export Houston helps businesses understand what it takes to become export-ready and the steps involved in selling abroad.
2. Find trusted resources in one place
For businesses exploring international sales, knowing where to begin can be one of the first challenges. The free Export Houston Resource Library brings together trusted guidance, tools and educational materials to help businesses understand what it takes to become export-ready and navigate the steps involved in selling abroad.
The library covers export readiness, market research and target market selection, export financing, compliance and documentation, logistics and supply chain, and international sales and business development, giving businesses a central place to find information as they evaluate opportunities in international markets.
3. Earn a World Trade Center International Trade Certificate
Export Houston includes a three-day, in-person World Trade Center International Trade Certificate Program designed to give businesses the knowledge and connections needed to pursue international sales. Participants will learn how to identify and evaluate global markets, navigate export financing and compliance, manage logistics and risk, and develop a strategy for international growth. Throughout the seminar, participants will learn directly from and connect with federal agencies, legal professionals, trade specialists, logistics providers and other export experts.
Upon successful completion, both the participant and their company will receive a World Trade Center International Trade Certificate issued through World Trade Center Houston.
4. Build an international growth plan
Participants will learn how to evaluate global markets, navigate export financing and compliance, manage logistics and risk, and develop a strategy for international growth. The program also culminates in a capstone project where teams develop an export strategy for a mock company and present their recommendations to a panel of trade experts. Businesses can apply what they learn to their own international growth strategies and identify clear next steps for pursuing opportunities in global markets.
5. Move from learning to action
For experienced exporters ready to take the next step, Export Houston will offer a selective yearlong cohort focused on entering new markets and growing international sales.
Participating businesses will receive individualized guidance, connections to export partners and industry experts, and support addressing company-specific challenges as they pursue new international opportunities. Participation requires a separate application and selection process.
Why exporting matters to Houston and your business
International markets can help businesses increase revenue, reach new customers, and strengthen resilience by diversifying their customer base across markets.
As more small- and mid-sized companies pursue sales abroad, their success supports job creation, strengthens the regional economy, and reinforces Houston’s competitiveness in global markets.
Whether a company is considering exports for the first time or looking to enter new markets, Export Houston provides the resources, expertise, and connections to help businesses pursue international opportunities.
To learn more about participating in Export Houston, visit the webpage or contact Sophia Lewis, Manager for International Investment & Trade, at slewis@houston.org.
SBA’s participation is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any other person or entity.