1. How do I get a grant to start my business? 

No doubt you’ve seen the late night infomercials advertising free money that the government gives out to help you take your business from idea to reality. The truth is there are very few grants available to individuals to start their business from scratch. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) do not give out grants. The SBA does have bank loan guarantee programs to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

 

2. How much do you charge for your services? 

Our services are very affordable…and in some cases free! You’ll be hard pressed to find training at our quality and competitive prices. As a service to taxpayers, you have access to our counselors’ expertise for free. Now that’s your tax dollars at work!

 

3. How can I get a list of overseas manufacturers that sell XYZ product? 

Our office does not maintain a list of manufacturers as we are not a member-based organization. If you are looking for an overseas supplier for a particular product, we suggest that you contact the nearest embassy or consulate office of the country you’re interested in. Ask for the Commercial Attaché or commercial officer and they can provide you with a list of suppliers for your product. See our resources section to find a list of the foreign trade offices for the top 10 countries that Texas trades with.

 

4.       Why do you make the distinction between importing and exporting?

 

As you go through our website you’ll notice that we separate the import process from the export process. While it does take a 2-way transaction for international trade to occur for compliance, statistical, and financing purposes, these two processes are separate.

 

5.       Do I need a license to import?

 

Every US citizen or legal resident of the US had the privilege of importing and no license is required. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that importing is a privilege…not a right. That privilege can be revoked if you don’t follow the rules and regulations. For example, if you’re looking to import food products, you must follow FDA requirements for labeling and packaging. Not following the rules and regulations can net you jail time, fines and the loss of your ability to import.

 

 

6.       Do I need a license to export?

 

As with importing, the privilege of exporting is available to all US citizens or legal residents. About 99% of all goods and services can be exported without a license, however there are those products that have both military and commercial application that require a license. Since 9/11 the focus has been on homeland security and reducing the terrorism threat. This means that for the exporter, you must know your customer or end user, and refrain from doing business with countries, individuals or businesses as prohibited by law…or face the consequences.

 

 

7.       I’m living in a foreign country, can you help me find a partner to sell my products in the

US?

 

Because the federal and state governments fund us, we typically only help US

citizens or legal residents who are looking to import or export. Many countries have a

trade office that helps their citizens enter the US market. You should contact that office

to seek assistance.