Global Diversity Export Initiative

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

The U.S. Commercial Service’s Global Diversity Export Initiative is committed to helping underserved communities in the United States, including African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, veteran and service-disabled veteran, women, LGBTQI+ businesses among others increase their exports.

Our global network of experienced trade experts in more than 100 U.S. cities and 80 countries is delivering proven export solutions to help underserved communities identify export opportunities, access financing, connect with international buyers and partners and more.

Partnering For Your Success

We partner with your success in mind. Tap the resources of a range of partners with programs and resources dedicated to supporting the success of minority and women-owned businesses in expanding internationally.

U.S. Commercial Service

Our global network of experienced trade professionals is located throughout the United States and in U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Whether you’re looking to make your first export sale or expand to additional markets, we offer the expertise you need to connect with lucrative opportunities and increase your bottom line. Find an International Trade Specialist near you.

Worldwide Recognition: As the U.S. government, we can open doors that no one else can in markets around the world.

Global Network: Our unmatched global network with trade experts in more than 80 countries can provide you with on-the-ground knowledge and connections.

Results Driven: Our expert, customized counseling is unparalleled and designed to help you succeed in global markets.

Building Bridges to Global Markets

The U.S. Commercial Service’s Building Bridges to Global Markets brings no-cost, in-person exporting expertise to your community. Addressing issues most common to diverse businesses seeking international sales expansion, this series of events will introduce reliable contacts, accurate information, and ready-to-use resources that will place you firmly on the road to exporting success.

Learn About Building Bridges

End of tab panel

Minority Business Development Agency (MDBA) Assistance

Minority-owned firms seeking to penetrate new markets — domestic & global — and growing in size and scale, can access business experts at a Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center. Whether it’s securing capital, competing for a contract, identifying a strategic partner or becoming export-ready, your success is our priority. These MDBA Business Centers are located in areas with the largest concentration of minority populations and the largest number of minority businesses.

MBDA developed Enterprising Women of Color (EWOC) to focus on the fast-expanding minority women entrepreneur population as a revenue generators for families, communities, and the nation.

End of tab panel

Export-Import Bank (EXIM) Support for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

EXIM Bank has a business development team devoted to minority and women-owned businesses which works exclusively with these businesses. They provide hands-on guidance to small businesses and MWOB companies that wish to export and learn how to qualify for EXIM Bank financing which includes Working Capital Guarantees, Credit Insurance, Loan Guarantees and Direct Loans.

Learn more about Exim Bank’s programs for minority and women-owned businesses.

End of tab panel

Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs

The U.S. Small Business Administration leverages its field offices, resource partners, and additional partnerships to help level the playing field for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who historically have lacked access to wealth or business opportunities.

Learn more about SBA’s resources for minority and women-owned, and Native-American-owned businesses.

End of tab panel

How Can We Help You Expand Your Exports?

Our team members are experts in international business development and your best resource for business growth and job creation. Learn more about the ways we can assist your firm:

person's hand typing on computer with overlay of globe

eCommerce Solutions

Learn more about how implementing a business digital strategy can help you focus your business technology to achieve your overseas ecommerce goals.

Implement Your eCommerce Strategy

Cargo ship with multi-colored containers on the ocean with sunset

Global Diversity Export Toolkit

Explore our robust resources dedicated to assisting U.S. exporters begin and expand sales into international markets.

Try the Toolkit

Five business people of Asian descent meeting

Find Buyers and Partners

With 95% of the world’s consumers residing outside the U.S., leverage our programs and services to find new buyers and partners.

Find Buyers and Partners

man on grass with phone on hand with agriculture icons overlay

Rural Export Center

Rural companies can start their export journey by tapping the customized market research and training provided by the Rural Export Center.

Solutions for Rural Companies

Women's Global Trade Empowerment

The Women's Global Trade empowerment forum provides events, tools, and resources dedicated to helping women-owned businesses accelerate their exporting journey.

Explore Resources for Women

Global with various international currency symbols to the right

Trade Finance Guide

This concise, easy-to-use tool was specifically developed as a how-to guide for U.S. firms seeking to enter new international markets and turn export opportunities into actual sales.

Get the Guide

Locate Events Targeted to Your Needs

View featured events for minority and women-owned businesses interested in learning how to export or increasing their international sales. Find information on all of our events, including webinars, trade shows, and virtual events.

Featured Events

Diverse, Multi-Racial Business People Celebrating

Export Success In Action!

Learn how we have assisted minority and women-owned businesses to expand internationally across a range of industries nationwide. Their export success story can be your export success story!

Let us help your firm capitalize on our global network of international trade professionals across the U.S. and abroad to develop customized export solutions for your firm.

Explore Strategies for Export Success

GDEI Strategic Partners

The U.S. Commercial Service partners strategically to enhance our ability to serve underserved communities in support of our mission to assist U.S. exporters develop new markets and expand internationally. Visit our GDEI strategic partners page to locate additional resources to help your firm expand internationally.

Explore GDEI Strategic Partners

ITA Strategic Partnership Program

Find out more about ITA’s Strategic Partnership Program! ITA Strategic Partners help better prepare U.S. businesses for international success, covering many locations and industries, and working with exporters throughout the entire export process.

Explore Strategic Partnership Program

Global Diversity Export Initiative

Partnering For Your Success

How Can We Help You Expand Your Exports?

Global Diversity & Featured Export Events

Export Success In Action!

Strategic Partners