Country Commercial Guides (CCGs)
These guides are written by U.S. Embassy trade experts worldwide. An excellent starting point for everything you need to know about exporting and doing business overseas.
A Market Assessment Tool for U.S. Exporters; it helps U.S exporters determine their next export market by comparing opportunities across borders. Each report ranks future export opportunities by country within a particular industry.
Market Reports (Canadian Trade Commissioner Service)
More than 200 reports with analysis of specific industry sectors.
Market Analysis Tool (International Trade Center)
The data is available to all countries to conduct up-to-date market analysis; provides Trade Map, Market Access Map, Investment Map, Trade Competitiveness Map, Standards Map, and Procurement Map.
Country Profile
Exporting Statistics
More information portals:
Maine International Trade Center
Provides customized counseling and information for manufacturers and service providers.
Maine Export Assistance Center
A federal government agency dedicated to helping small-to-medium sized companies with their exporting strategies.
Foreign Export Trade Assistance (the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry)
Helps grow exports of value-added food and agricultural products.
Information on Specific Countries
International U.S. Commercial Service Offices
Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN)
Loans
SBA Export Express
Offers financing up to $500,000. It is the simplest export loan product offered by the SBA and allows participating lenders to use their own forms and procedures. The SBA determines eligibility and provides a loan approval in 36 hours or less.
The Export Working Capital Program
Provides advances for up to $5 million to fund export transactions from purchase order to collections. This loan has a low guaranty fee and quick processing time.
SBA’s International Trade Loan Program
Provides small businesses with enhanced export financing options for their export transactions.
Project and Structured Financing Loans (U.S. Export-Import Bank)
More information at Export Financing (Export.gov)
Grants
State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant (SBA via Maine International Trade Center)
The STEP Financial Assistance Award provides eligible Maine companies with reimbursements of up to $8,500 per year toward specified costs associated with business matchmaking services, trade show participation, and export skills and compliance training.
Raymond H. Fogler Library
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
fogler.mbstl@maine.edu
Reference Desk: 207-581-1673