The Illinois International Trade Center (ITC) advisors guide small businesses in expanding into global markets, following best practices to manage growth and minimize risks. Expertise includes:
- Export readiness assessment: Our advisors use a questionnaire to determine the export readiness of a business and help to get the business export ready.
- Customized market research: Program staff has access to subscription-based databases. These services include obtaining market information to determining the market potential.
- Export planning and compliance: We help build an export plan with actionable items to support your global expansion. Our advisors also provide services to make sure your business stays compliant with the current export regulations (e.g., Product Classification, Export Controls). Become a client and get FREE guidance.
- Export documentation assistance: Our advisors help identify the required documentation and advise on how to prepare and/or obtain the documents.
- Trade finance and funding: Services include ISTEP grant application preparation, working capital opportunity identification, and referral.
- Bridge-to-export resources: We help connect you with export supports provided by our federal, state, and resources partners. The services include business due diligence, trade lead generation, etc.
How Do I Connect With An Advisor?
Our grant funders for all of our programs require NEW CLIENTS to register as a client
with our center. Register with Our Center
NOTE: All meetings with advisors are virtual and by appointment only, please.
How Can I Access Training Whether I’m A New Or Existing Client?
Our training and advising is available for new and existing businesses. Simply follow the instructions
to sign up for training.
- Innovation DuPage
Innovation DuPage works with entrepreneurs and growing businesses to transform good ideas into strong businesses, strong businesses into winning brands, and winning brands into a collaborative community. - U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
In order to avoid potential problems in the clearance of your merchandise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that you familiarize yourself with CBP policies and procedures prior to actually importing/exporting your goods. You should also be aware of any entry requirements specific to the particular commodity you are importing/exporting, including those of other federal agencies. To assist you, we offer the following tips for new importers and exporters. - US EXIM Bank
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States, which equips exporters with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. - U.S. Export Assistance Centers
The Commercial Service has a network of export and industry specialists located in more than 100 U.S. cities and over 80 countries worldwide. These trade professionals provide counseling and a variety of products and services to assist small and midsized U.S. businesses export their products and services. - U.S. International Trade Administration
The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals in over 100 U.S. cities and in more than 75 countries help U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets. - U.S. Small Business Administration
So, how can you take your business to the next level by selling overseas? What do you need to be successful in exporting? What resources are available to help your small business export endeavors? These experts came together to answer these questions and more. Here are highlights from their discussions.
Contact Information
Business Development Center
Illinois International Trade Center
535 Duane Street, Office 233
Glen Ellyn IL 60137
Monica Hernandez, International Trade Center (ITC) Program Manager
Email: hernandezm68@cod.edu
About
Regular Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity). All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA (or DCEO).
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Business Development Center at (630) 942-2600.