export marketing plans Completed for clients SINCE 2012

Andal and Balu Balasubramanian are feeding the foodie revolution with their bean-to-bar dark chocolates. After working with experts from the SBDC, they expanded into new markets and are pioneering the popularity of New American Chocolate.

Thom Sirivattha designs and handcrafts intricate silver and gold Hawaiian-themed jewelry. In addition to assistance with inventory control, price points, packaging, and identification/alignment of target markets, he has benefitted from the ongoing support and guidance of the Hawaii SBDC Oahu Center in establishing his export business. He is working with major department stores, mall developers/owners, and a luxury retail distributor in Japan and has plans to expand to additional export markets.

The Idaho family-run business, Highland Hay, consulted with the Eastern Idaho SBDC on numerous occasions to troubleshoot exporting challenges. After multiple business consultations and additional SBDC resources, their goals of distributing alfalfa-based hay nationally and to the Middle East were eventually realized. Through the pandemic, the SBDC continued to provide guidance and support through mastermind mentoring meetings and trainings focused on business survival in a challenging economy.

Minority-owned RoboThink, LLC offers STEM programs to builders of all ages. Working with the Illinois SBDC-ITC College of Lake County, they were provided opportunities to participate in the highly sought after ExporTech™ program to create export business plans and receive grant funding through the state of Illinois' ISTEP program. RoboThink has since expanded its operations, gaining partners in Gulf Coast Countries including South Africa, Vietnam, Thailand and other emerging countries.