University’s Export Assistance Network is recognized for company participation and community engagement

The United States Small Business Administration has recognized Cleveland State University’s Export Assistance Network as a top performer within the state of Ohio. The organization, a component of the SBA’s regional Small Business Development Center housed at CSU, was recognized for producing the highest rate of client participation across export programs in the state for the 2015-2016 academic year. The CSU EAN serves small-to-medium sized Ohio businesses who are beginning to export or are currently exporting products and services overseas.

Over the last year the CSU EAN team served more than 100 companies, logged nearly 1,000 hours of counseling and traveled more than 3,000 miles for face-to-face meetings. The network provides training and assistance in a range of areas including: exporting best practices, compliance, foreign market entry, free trade agreements, and building an online presence in foreign markets. It also works to place student interns with companies across the state, providing additional support to emerging firms and valuable experience for students.

“We are honored to be recognized for the work that our team accomplished,” said Nate Ward, director for the CSU EAN. “We strive to serve small businesses and fuel economic development throughout Northeast Ohio – and are proud to be a part of Cleveland State University’s commitment to providing engaged learning opportunities and community engagement.” 

The CSU EAN is housed within the Monte Ahuja College of Business’ Centers for Outreach and Engagement and is part of the Global Business Center. It offers free, discreet business counseling to any Ohio small-to-medium sized business wanting to grow their export sales. The network also offers technical training through their GlobalReach workshop series and collaborates with the US Export Assistance Center to deliver the 10-month export mentorship program, GlobalTarget. Find more information at: www.csuohio.edu/business/global.

Small Business Development Centers provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories. SBDCs help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses and help existing businesses remain competitive in a complex, ever-changing global marketplace. SBDCs are hosted by leading universities and state economic development agencies and funded through a partnership with SBA.

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