(2 votes)


Botswana Export Development and Export Authority (BEDIA)
BEDIA
 

BEDIA is an autonomous private sector led organization mandated by an act of the Botswana parliament to encourage, promote and facilitate the establishment of export-oriented enterprises and selected services which will result in economic diversification, rapid economic growth and creation of sustained employment opportunities.  BEDIA acts as the first point of contact for potential investors in Botswana and literally takes the investor by hand and helps them to clear all formalities.  Some of BEDIA’s services include: Identifying investment opportunities and joint venture partners, providing investment advice, organizing meetings between economic operators and potential investors, assisting in obtaining factory shells and pre-investment clearances (work and residence permits, licenses etc), providing economic and trade statistics, inward and outward investment missions, and organizing fairs, exhibitions and contact missions to market Botswana products.


Corporate Council on Africa (CCA)
CCA
 

CCA, since 1993, has been the leading American nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to enhancing trade and investment ties between the United States and the 53 countries of Africa. The American companies that make up the Corporate Council on Africa represent nearly 85 percent of all U.S. private sector investment in Africa.  CCA organizes South Africa Business Linkage program, which helps to match African and American companies in a variety of industry sectors.


Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD)

EVD
 

This governmental organization is part of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Its mission is to promote and encourage international business and international cooperation.  The EVD administers programs focusing specifically on cooperation with companies in emerging markets and developing countries.  The agency’s “Developing your Business” database provides information on subsidies and grants, support for import and export activities, investments, finding experts, research facilities, networking, training and other related websites.


The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
DTI
 

The DTI of South Africa is concerned with creating a vibrant economy, characterized by growth, employment and equity, built on the full potential of all citizens for South Africa.  Among their services, the DTI offers information on trade legislation and regulations in South Africa, as well as information, advice, and facilitation for small businesses.  While this is a South African government site, it has information useful to any small-to-medium business wishing to export their goods or services from Africa.


Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) / Export.gov
USFCS
 

The Foreign Commercial Service is the global business solutions unit of the US Department of Commerce. The site was developed to offer U.S. companies wide and deep knowledge of markets and industries, a unique global network, inventive use of information technology, a focus on small and mid-sized businesses, along with the clout and cachet of the U.S. government. USFCS boasts the ability to help your business compete and win in the global marketplace. The U.S. Commercial Service offers four ways to grow international sales: world-class market research, trade events that promote your product or service to qualified buyers, introductions to qualified buyers and distributors, and counseling through every step of the export process.  The site’s “Export Assistance Centers” can provide business owners with additional help


Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA
 

The MBDA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.  It is an entrepreneurially focused and innovative organization committed to wealth creation in minority communities in the US. The Agency's mission is to actively promote the growth and competitiveness of large, medium and small minority business enterprises.  While it is a US-targeted government organization, the site offers insights for business-owners and entrepreneurs in terms of starting, financing, and managing a business.


Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA)

OTEXA
 

Part of the US Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission, the OTEXA site is a great link for trade data.  Their “Major Shipper Reports” in particular is an excellent resource to view US imports by country, category, and date.   One can use the site’s “Export Advantage” page for the latest foreign market information.


Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA
 

The United States Small Business Administration not only offers loans to assist US small businesses but also has multiple online tools for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to expand into international markets.  The site’s small business guide is intended to serve as a roadmap for starting a business.  It is both comprehensive and easy to use.  The SBA site also includes numerous electronic links for additional information. Use this powerful interactive tool, with many supporting resources to help you start a successful business.  In addition, learn more about business laws and use SBA’s regulatory assistance guide.


Small Business Service (SBS)
SBS
 

A part of the UK’s Department for Trade and Industry, SBS aims to provide the public, researchers, the media and policy-makers with information about SBS, DTI, and resources for small businesses.  From this link, access SBS’s “Business Link” program which offers an advice service and provides straightforward business information and access to a wide network of business support.


South African International Business Linkages (SAIBL)

SAIBL
 
A strategic partner to the hub, the purpose of SAIBL is to assist South African historically disadvantaged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by promoting commercially viable business relationships with international firms in an effort to increase trade and investment flows and technology transfer. Through SAIBL, firms have the opportunity to play a vital role in the development of South Africa, as future economic and political stability rests with increased access to both domestic and international business opportunities for the majority population

World Customs Organization (WCO)
WCO
 
The WCO is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations.

World Trade Centers Organization (WTCO)
WTCO
 

The WTCA was established in 1970 to facilitate international trade by bringing together exporters, importers and service providers  The WTCA's website is a one-stop trade information hub for posting and reviewing trade opportunities, and communicating easily with newly found business prospects. Its strength comes from the combined power of nearly 300 WTCs producing trade leads and other vital information.


World Trade Organization (WTO)
WTO
 
The WTO is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.