innovate arkansas

Arkansas businesses that want to start exporting or expand their overseas markets can enroll in Export University, a training program of the U.S. Commercial Service being made available in Arkansas for the first time.

Three "Export U Introduction" classes have been scheduled:

• Jonesboro -- Jan. 31 from 1-3 p.m. at the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development
• Little Rock -- Feb. 1 from 9-11 a.m. at the Reynolds Business Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Fayetteville -- Feb. 2 from 9-11 a.m. at the University of Arkansas Reynolds Center.

The program is being launched by the Arkansas District Export Council, a private, nonprofit group of business leaders that provides export assistance to state businesses, in cooperation with the Arkansas U.S. Export Assistance Center and the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, based at UALR's College of Business.

The introductory course is free and will focus on identifying export markets, identifying international business partners, logistics/transportation and trade/finance. The courses are designed for novices and experienced exporters.

A four-part "Export U Certificate Program" focusing on international market development will follow the introductory course. All classes will take place in Little Rock, and the course requires a $100 registration fee. Classes will be videoconferenced to Fayetteville and Jonesboro.

The class schedule is as follows:

• International Market Development, Feb. 14, 1-3 p.m.
• Identifying and Managing Overseas Representatives/International Contracts, March 1, 1-3 p.m.
• International Logistics/Transportation, March 15, 1-3 p.m.
• International Payment Mechanisms, April 3, 1-3 p.m.

Potential Export U Introduction participants are encouraged to take an export readiness assessment at ArkansasExport.com. Companies answering "yes" to seven of the nine questions are encouraged to take the introductory course.

Those answering "yes" to fewer than seven should contact the ASBTDC at (501) 683-7700 or 1 (800) 862-2040 for training and assistance.