Business Development and Support Division

Senator Hirono Partners to Promote Exports

DBEDT took part in the Global Access Exporter Forum held on August 6, 2013, at the Blaisdell Center. The event, sponsored by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono and the Export-Import Bank of the United States, was attended by more than 60 Hawaii small businesses who learned about the federal programs and resources available to small businesses that want to begin selling to foreign markets and buyers or expand their foreign market sales. Featured speakers included Senator Hirono, who spoke about the importance of exports to creating jobs and sustaining Hawaii and the nation’s economy, and Ex-Im Bank Director Patricia Loui, who spoke about Ex-Im Bank’s insurance and loan programs designed to help small businesses build capacity for exporting and minimize risk. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce/Export Assistance Center and the Small Business Administration also shared information about the services their respective agencies provide to small businesses wanting to export their products and services. A panel of Hawaii companies shared their experiences in utilizing some of these federal resources to expand their business to foreign markets.