The U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Export-Import Bank (Ex-lm Bank), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have formed a nationwide network of U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs).

USEACs are located in more than 100 cities through¬out the United States and serve as one-stop shops that provide small and medium-sized businesses with hands-on export marketing and trade finance support. USEACs work closely with federal, state, local, public, and private organizations to provide unparalleled export assistance to American businesses trying to compete in the global marketplace.

USEAC trade specialists provide global business solutions by (1) identifying the best markets for their clients' products; (2) developing effective market-entry strategies based on information generated from commercial offices; (3) facilitating the implementation of these strategies by advising clients on distribution channels, key factors to consider in pric¬ing, and relevant trade shows and missions; and (4) providing assistance in obtaining trade finance available through federal government programs, as well as access to state, local, public, and private-sector entities.

Many USEAC offices are co-located with other federal, state, local, public, and private-sector entities—making it easy for U.S. companies to find the help they need.

Contact: For the address and phone number of the USEAC nearest you, see "Find your closest USEAC" below, call 800-USA-TRAD(E) (800-872-8723), or visit www.export.gov.