The Heart of American Exports: Making Small Businesses Great Again
August 1, 2025
Bradley McKinney is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Commercial Service
Small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. companies. This overwhelming majority reinforces that nearly every community across America – from rural towns to urban neighborhoods – rely on small businesses to power job creation, advance innovation, and sustain livelihoods. When it comes to trade, their presence is equally powerful. Among U.S. exporters, 97% are small businesses. These companies are the backbone of the U.S. economy, with outsized contributions to our manufacturing base, job growth, and economic security.
Why Exporting Matters
For companies of all sizes, 95% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States. Accessing even a fraction of that market can unlock new profits and create jobs for U.S. companies, making exporting an essential function for growth.
1. Revenue Growth & Resilience
Businesses that export typically grow faster, pay higher wages, and are more resilient. Exporters on average:
• Pay 18% more than non-exporting businesses,
• Are 70% more productive than non-exporting manufacturers, and
• Less likely to go out of business during economic downturns.
2. Job Creation and Economic Security
Exports support nearly 11 million American jobs, and reinforce stronger supply chain networks through partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), contributing key components, software, and services.
3. Exporting Drives Innovation and Competitiveness
Studies show exporters file more patents, adopt cutting-edge technologies more quickly, and invest more in workforce development than non-exporters.
How the U.S. Commercial Service Supports Exports
The Administration of President Donald J. Trump is following through on its promise to grow the economy, starting with small businesses. The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) provides the customized support these American businesses need to navigate global markets across every stage of exporting.
For instance, U.S. companies receive one-on-one counseling from trade specialists to:
• Develop an export plan,
• Understand compliance and documentation requirements,
• Identify financing and insurance options, and
• Optimize pricing and marketing for foreign markets.
Two of the most valuable offerings from the USCS are its Gold Key Service – aptly named for the Golden Era of economic prosperity which this Administration is ushering in -and the International Partner Search, both of which connect U.S. companies with pre-vetted buyers, agents, or distributors abroad. These programs reduce the time and risk involved in finding trustworthy overseas partners and provide the sort of tactical and practical matchmaking services that help win deals abroad.
Businesses can receive insights on the level of demand for their products, regulations, competitors, and pricing in specific countries. Resources like the Country Commercial Guides help companies navigate markets and avoid costly mistakes. USCS also organizes virtual introductions and coordinates support during major global trade events to maximize networking opportunities and return on investment.
One recent success story is West Virginia-based Metalcraft Mining Equipment, a small manufacturer with 47 employees, who completed a multi-million-dollar sale in Australia leveraging USCS export counseling. This USCS support included analysis of tariff codes, compliance tools, and logistics planning to ensure their shipments adhered to trade regulations and avoided unnecessary costs and delays. The USCS team even helped with additional cost savings, unearthing an exemption from Australian tariffs due to the absence of substitutable Australian manufacturers.
Metalcraft’s Vice President of Finance, Rebecca Salisbury, said about her experience, “The team at the US Commercial Service is a great resource for companies attempting to navigate the waters of export. The individuals we have dealt with have been knowledgeable, as well as personal, and have gone the extra mile to assist us!”
Since day one, the Trump administration has prioritized an America First Trade Policy that invests in American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes. The U.S. Commercial Service is driving home that agenda by strengthening opportunities for U.S. businesses, especially small businesses, to sell their products and services around the globe.
Get in Touch
Find your local Commercial Service Office in the U.S. and start exporting today!