Export Assistance Services
Export Counseling
One of the International Trade Office's (ITO) most valued services is its export-related counseling. Trade specialists counsel clients on analyzing markets, determining export potential, identifying market entry strategies, providing market research, locating potential distributors or agents, and answering questions on payment terms, procedures, and shipping, among other export-related matters.
Meeting with an ITO trade specialist is most productive after a company has done some initial export research. The trade specialist will want to know specific information about the products or services to be exported. Companies will be asked to fill out an export marketing questionnaire in order to supply the specialist with the basics about your product and its performance in the domestic market. The trade specialist can then provide you with more individualized attention. ITO staff will work with you to help you define your target market and begin your market research.
If you would like to view and fill out the questionnaire, please click this link:
and fax it back to (303) 892-3820 or email to ito@state.co.us
Trade & Catalog Shows
Trade and catalog shows are particularly important tools for marketing your product overseas. A company can be represented by an ITO trade specialist in a catalog show, where its literature will be distributed to potential customers and contacts, and leads will be obtained on the company's behalf. A company may also choose to participate by going to the trade show with ITO and representing itself and its products. Both options provide exporting companies with opportunities to exhibit their products in target markets all over the world.
At a trade show, firms can network with prospective buyers, agents, distributors, and end-users for their products while collecting valuable, country-specific information on their industry. Firms interested in finding partners for joint ventures may also meet appropriate contacts during trade shows. See our ITO Events page for a list of upcoming events organized, sponsored, or co-sponsored by ITO, and our Other Events page for a listing of trade events and shows that are taking place around the nation and the world.
Trade Missions
Trade missions provide companies with direct exposure in target markets. Company participation offers an opportunity to make face-to-face contact with potential buyers. ITO arranges customized appointments for each company with industry and/or government leaders, provides industry briefings when needed, and facilitates every aspect of the trade mission.
Seminars, Workshops and Classes
If you are new to exporting, seminars and workshops are the best ways to become oriented with the initial steps in the export process. ITO works together with the World Trade Center Denver and the U.S. Export Assistance Center to coordinate a 'Basics of Exporting' workshop series that includes sessions on marketing, methods of payment, financing, documentation, shipping and insurance, and export controls and licensing. Courses are offered year-round, with some designed to target specific business issues.
By attending these workshops, you will have the opportunity to make contacts with professionals who are already working in the international marketplace. Furthermore, seminars provide valuable information which will help determine whether or not you are prepared to embark on a successful exporting venture.
Contact the World Trade Center Denver Educational Services for further information. Export classes are also available through the Small Business Development Centers throughout the state.
Consult our Useful Links page for links to a variety of on-line resources to assist you in learning more about exporting.