More than 95% of the world's consumers live outside of the United States. Over 11 million Americans are in jobs supported by exports. Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs provide more than half of all U.S. jobs. These statistics make it evident that trade and entrepreneurship play a critical role in the growth of our economy. As a way to help bring that point across to local educators, the San Diego CITD, Deputy Sector Navigator (DSN) for Global Trade & Logistics - San Diego and Imperial Region, and Grossmont College's High School/CTE Partnership Program organized a tour of the Port of San Diego and a workshop to discuss how aspects of global trade and entrepreneurship can be taught to their students.

For more than 15 years, Gustavo Guerrero has been the San Diego CITD's principal International Trade Specialist, assisting small businesses by providing consulting and technical assistance in all areas of international business. Gustavo brought more than 20 years of multi-industry international experience both in the public and private sectors to the CITD. This experience helped him assist a countless number of local businesses navigate through the complexities of importing/exporting and expand their operations globally. Over the years, several of the CITD clients that Gustavo worked with even went on to garner recognition as Exporters of the Year by the San Diego office of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the San Diego World Trade Center.

Join us in bidding Gustavo a fond farewell as he
embarks on a new adventure and challenging opportunity.

If you are a trade compliance professional, you will not want to miss this unique interactive program where you will learn the latest on Defense Trade Controls and Export Control Reform issues. The practial application-focused program will feature case studies that will help you minimize risk, exposure, and liability for your company when dealing with Export Administration Regulations and International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

For more information and to register, click here.

Mexicali, Mexico is home to over 500 national and international companies with manufacturing and assembly operations utilizing over $350 million in parts and components in the region annually. The Mexicali Supply Expo 2015 is a great opportunity to connect with the Aerospace, Metal Mechanic, Medical Device, Automotive, Electronic and more, professionals who are looking for suppliers to meet their fabrication needs. At this annual, international event manufacturers and suppliers will:

• Meet one-on-one to discuss demand and supply needs and opportunities
• Participate in an Expert Panel Discussion to examine international operations and discuss doing business in Mexicali
• Tap into government, developers and educational institution opportunities in specialized pavilions
• Attend a special presentation by Dr. D. Dresser: Mexico: Competitiveness, Competence and Growth
• Network with key company leaders at an industry-wide reception

On November 20th, Southwestern College's Business Club held its first event of the Fall Semester. The event, organized in conjunction with the college's Club Web, was attended by more than 80 students and featured a panel of local business owners and experts. CITD Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Coordinator, Gabriel Reyes, kicked off the panel discussion with an overview of YEP and its online business training, after which each panel member provided a brief introduction and discussed their experiences as entrepreneurs. Event participants had the opportunity to ask questions to the panel as a whole or approach each panel member individually after the initial discussion.

The aim of the event was to provide students interested in starting their own business with information on entrepreneurship resources, as well as guidance and advice on navigating the pitfalls associated with running your own business and making it successful. 

Wishing you and your family a happy Holiday Season and prosperous New Year!

The San Diego Center for International Trade Development (CITD) assists small and medium-sized enterprises expand internationally by providing low and no-cost programs and services including, one-on-one technical assistance and consulting, market research, training and educational programs, trade leads and special events.

International trade counseling is available by appointment at the following San Diego CITD Locations: