Message From the ITC Director
Dear International Trade Professional,
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), has been serving the exporting needs of small and medium-sized businesses from 35 counties in southern Illinois for nearly four decades. By providing information, advising and training to existing and new-to-export companies, the ITC is educating, equipping and empowering small businesses for long-term international success.
The ITC fosters global trade through collaboration with SIUE’s academic programs, partnerships with state and federal entities, and active outreach to the small business communities in southern Illinois, helping business owners discover new markets and expand their businesses to the next level through exporting.
On a regular basis, ITC client companies are provided no-cost export-based services, including one-on-one advising sessions (in person or virtual), evaluations of export readiness, customized global connections, and export finance assistance.
More specific services include:
- Access to key foreign market intelligence
- International business planning
- Identification of potential export markets, foreign buyers, agents, distributors and partners
- In-person and virtual trade mission/industry show participation opportunities worldwide
- Export documentation training and assistance
- Trade-lead matching from the U.S. Commercial Service and international partners
- Trade compliance support, including product classification and free trade agreements
- Seminars, webinars, conferences and in-house training
The ITC receives a combination of funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and matching funds from its host institution, SIUE. This funding allows the ITC to provide assistance at NO COST to its clients.
Illinois ranks fifth in the nation as a leading exporting state. In 2023, our state generated over $78 billion from exports sent to over 219 countries, supporting nearly 1 million jobs here at home.
During the last five years, our ITC has assisted its clients in the generation of over $160 million in export sales, through our consulting, training and research services. And with five additional ITCs and six foreign offices, virtually no foreign market or trade-related question goes unanswered.
We will be more than happy to explain more in detail how the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE can assist in helping your business grow internationally and answer any questions you may have.
Feel free to contact us at 618-650-3851 or by email at International-Trade-Center@siue.edu. We look forward to working with you.
Happy Exporting!
Silvia Torres Bowman, Director
Illinois SBDC International Trade Center
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to Illinois small businesses.
