Finding the 95%: How ‘Going Global’ Can Accelerate Your Startup

On May 20, 2021, the Global Innovation Forum (GIF) and the U.S. Commercial Service hosted a webinar session as a part of the 2021 Baltimore Innovation Week 2021 to share public and private sector tools and resources to help small businesses go global. 

More than 95 percent of the world’s consumers are outside of the United States. The event explored insights and advice on how to unlock the potential of global markets. During the discussion, participants heard from successful startup exporters, experts from the private sector, and government representatives.

Fireside Chat: “My Global Startup Story” 

The opening panel featured best practices and insights from two Baltimore-based startups that have successfully launched and entered global markets. Austin Brown, the Co-founder of Global Air Media, an FAA-licensed drone mapping, cinematography and training company, shared his experiences using public sector programs and digital tools to conduct workshops around the world including Nigeria, the UK, the UAE, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan. Ellington West, CEO, and Brandon Dottin-Haley, CBDO, joined the panel to share how they launched health-tech startup Sonavi Labs globally and advise early-stage companies interested in doing the same.

Three Ingredients for Going Global 

The following panel included experts in market strategy, IP protection, and digital sales channels. The speakers represented the U.S. Department of Commerce’s intellectual property policy and resources, PayPal and Google. Together, the three offered insights into mastering these critical elements of global expansion.

Resources to Help You Go Global

There are many resources at the federal, state, and local levels available to support small business global expansion. During the final panel, attendees heard from dedicated officials who shared how they support Maryland businesses. Representatives from the University of Maryland Smith School of Business, U.S. Commercial Service in Baltimore and Maryland Department of Commerce explained how to take advantage of the many resources available.

Watch the Full Recording