New One-Stop Site for Export Assistance

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a new one-stop online site for export assistance called TradeNet Export Advisor.

Launched by Vice President Al Gore and SBA Administrator Aida Alvarez, this new interagency site provides access to international trade information and services needed to succeed in today's increasingly global economy. Find the help you need, information on upcoming trade missions and conferences and much more.

The future has never looked brighter for women entrepreneurs than it does right now, not just in the U.S. -- where women already own nearly 40 percent of the businesses -- but around the world. A surprising number of businesses everywhere are owned by women -- between a quarter and a third of the businesses worldwide -- and it is likely far more if you count "informal" trade.

And, as the Internet and other technologies draw us closer together as a global community, women are building networks that reach to every corner of the globe, learning from one another, supporting one another, and trading with one another. Experts around the world acknowledge the vital role women's business plays in the economies of individual communities, of nations, and of the world. SBA is doing much to help women start and grow the businesses on which our worldwide economy depends.

SBA’s Online Women's Business Center also plays a key role in building a global business network. Almost since its launch two years ago, it has been used regularly by women from virtually every country in the world. Today, the Center offers the Online WBC in English, Spanish and Russian. Soon, information will also be up in Japanese.

For More Information

For information on SBA programs and services, visit the Online Women's Business Center or the SBA web site, or call your SBA district office (under U.S. Government in the phone book or at 800-U-ASK-SBA).

Editor’s Note

We excerpted this story from an electronic newsletter published in January 2000 by the Office of Women’s Business Ownership at the U. S. Small Business Administration. "As always, you are welcome to use or quote the information in this newsletter -- and share it with anyone you feel would be interested," said Sherrye Henry, Assistant Administrator for Women's Business Ownership. "We'd love to get your feedback -- or news you might have to share. Let us hear from you by e-mail at owbo@sba.gov or by fax at 202-205-7287."

January 2000