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US government, tech leaders partner to increase America's small business exports

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CINCINNATI -- Tech and ecommerce leaders gathered at the Hamilton County Development Corp. Wednesday morning to kick off the "Getting to Global Initiative" aimed at increasing exports from America's small businesses to overseas markets.

The public-private partnership will incorporate digital tools from companies such as Google, Facebook, eBay and Pitney Bowes along with data, services, and expertise from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Postal Service.

The announcement event included remarks from House Committee on Small Business Chairman Steve Chabot, R-Ohio.

“We have large companies, large corporations, very significant histories in Cincinnati,” Chabot said. “P&G, GE Aviation, Macy’s, Kroger -- the big guys are here.

"We do have smaller companies. Over time not all of those businesses will be successful … the ones who do however we hope to expand, and grow and create. Those will become the big companies, the big employers of the future.”

Organizers say its partners will help small businesses localize resources in overseas markets and provide insights on consumer expectations, payment models, currency exchange, fulfillment strategies, compliance and regulatory issues and other key aspects of cross-border ecommerce.

"Foreign markets hold exponential opportunities for America's small businesses. Many though, find exporting to be out of reach," Chabot said in a news release. "I believe this relationship will help deliver government resources to small businesses quickly and effectively by leveraging the innovation of the private sector."

The launch event included a workshop for local small and medium-sized businesses looking to expand overseas sales.

The workshop featured presentations from industry partners led by Carl Miller, managing director of the Global Retail Insights Network, a nonprofit group specializing in helping companies expand global eCommerce opportunities.

More information on the partnership can be found on the website here.