The New Faces of American Trade
Exploring the role of internet platforms and cloud technologies in the global success of small businesses.
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The Global Innovation Forum interviewed small business leaders from around the United States to explore the role of internet- based tools in enabling access to international markets. This report outlines entrepreneurs’ views on the importance of global markets to their businesses and finds American small businesses are using technology to tap global markets to support local jobs.
New GIF Report Emphasizes Value of Global Markets, Trade Policies to American Small Businesses and Workers
“The internet allows us to reach everybody”
“Direct customer response with Facebook ads, Google ads, Pinterest, eBay — it’s everything together. The more the customer sees on the internet, it’s kind of like seeing a billboard 100 times down an expressway.”
— Kevin Zalewski and Rob Patterson, Co-owners, Love Book, Rochester, Michigan
“We get found from all over just through our website”
“The more our government works with other governments and creates strong relationships to simplify [trade]…that’s a huge role for our government to help all of the small companies who are working to export.”
– Jamie Deering, VP of Public Service & Outreach, Deering Banjo, San Diego, California
“It’s really important to me as an entrepreneur to spread our invention throughout the world so everyone can benefit”
“The government can definitely help our small businesses globally. We need to have a seat at the table for trade agreements to promote American values and culture.”
— Dr. Wei Shin Lai and Jason Wolfe, Co-Founders, SleepPhones
Explore globally-engaged small businesses from around the United States
The New Faces of American Trade
Photos from launch event in DC with Deering Banjo, Love Book and SleepPhones
