Could your business sell overseas?

Exporting sounds like something only big corporations do — but most U.S. exporters are small businesses, and 95% of the world's customers live outside the United States. If people here want what you make, there's a good chance people abroad do too. It's not for everyone, but it's worth knowing whether a whole world of customers is on the table for you.

Do this

1. Check the basic fit: do you sell a product (or a digital service) that could ship or deliver across borders?
2. Notice the demand: have you gotten interest, orders, or inquiries from other countries already?
3. Be honest about capacity: can you handle more volume, and the extra paperwork, without dropping your home customers?
4. Treat it as a real growth path with free help behind it — not a leap you take alone (next lessons show how).

Is exporting worth a look?

The myth: exporting is for big corporations. The reality: most U.S. exporters are SMALL businesses, and ~95% of the world's customers are outside the U.S.

YOU MIGHT BE A FIT IF... • You make a product (or a deliverable digital service) that travels • You've already had interest or orders from abroad • Your home business is stable enough to take on more • Your margins can absorb shipping, duties, and paperwork

IT MAY NOT FIT (yet) IF... • You're a purely local, in-person service (a mobile lube shop won't export) • You're still struggling to meet demand at home

There's a whole free support system for exporters (SBA, the U.S. Commercial Service, your SBDC). The next lessons cover getting ready, finding buyers, and getting paid safely.