According to a recent Brookings Metropolitan Export Initiative study, more than 113,000 jobs are supported by trade activities in San Diego. Additionally, trade-related jobs have been found to pay 13 - 18% more than the national average. Trade is an important economic driver that creates high wage jobs, however, it is not uncommon for students, particularly at the high school level, to be unaware of the opportunities in this field.  One reason for this is that high school students are rarely exposed to global concepts. In an effort to change that, the Deputy Sector Navigator for Global Trade & Logistics and the San Diego CITD hosted a workshop for high school teachers in the region with the goal of developing global trade curriculum that can be incorporated into core academic classes, such as math, social studies, science, etc.

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Over the last 26 years, the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce has organized what has become the region's premier industrial trade show. Known asMEXPORT, the trade show's goal is to facilitate cross-border trade by promoting supplier opportunities with major manufacturers in the Southern California/Baja California region. MEXPORT typically draws more than 180 exhibitors spanning everything from industrial equipment companies to freight forwarders and customs brokers from both sides of the border.

Incorporated into MEXPORT since 2012, this year's show again featured business counseling sessions provided by San Diego CITD international trade counselors. Companies that pre-registered were able to take advantage of these sessions and receive assistance with starting or growing their exports.
 

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With 96% of the world's consumers living outside of the U.S., it makes sense for businesses to seek growth through global markets. However, many small businesses that are new to exporting do not know where to begin. To help these businesses, the San Diego District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration hosted a free workshop on the benefits of exporting and the resources available to help them successfully expand into the global marketplace. The workshop featured three topics for new to export businesses: Exporting 101, SBA International Trade Financing, and How the Export-Import Bank Can Help You. After opening remarks by Ruben Garcia, District Director for the SBA's San Diego District Office, CITD Director, Victor Castillo, presented the Exporting 101 topic and provided information and resources available to businesses to help them get started in international trade.

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On Thursday, May 14th, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana will host a seminar on how to invest and set up operations in the U.S. The seminar will feature presentation by experts on the topics of investor visas, legal and fiscal issues, financing, business incentives, and more. The San Diego CITD will provide an overview of international programs and resources available to small businesses.

Additional information on this event can be found here. 

Take advantage of a low-cost opportunity for Californians interested in understanding and seizing competitive advantages in the exploding food, culture, and entertainment markets of South Korea and Japan!

Join the California Asian Pacific Chamber and dive into either a trade promotion or leadership track.  Those on the trade promotion track will exhibit and meet with buyers at the Seoul Food and Hotel Show and Tokyo International Food and Ingredients & Additives Exhibition while those on the leadership track will explore the origins of Korean and Japan while sampling all the exotic food, culture and entertainment of each nation.

Too learn more about the Trade and Leadership Mission's agenda and pricing, click here.

In celebration of Small Business Month 2015, GO-Biz's Office of Small Business Advocate is hosting a free webinar on small business exporting on May 13th from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.

The webinar will cover key issues small businesses should consider when exporting, as well as information on export services and programs offered by the state and federal government.Specific topics will include required documentation, export financing, market assessment, and business matchmaking services.

For more information and to register, click here.

On June 3rd, 2015, the San Diego office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be hosting a workshop for businesses who are seeking growth through global markets or need financing to support international trade endeavors.

This workshop is geared toward businesses that are new to international trade and believe exporting could be part of their growth strategy. This workshop will provide businesses with the tools and the latest information necessary to succeed.
 

The workshop will be held at the Escondido Chamber of Commerce from 9 AM - 12 PM. For more information and to register, click here.

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