Exploring Export Opportunities: Tools Every Small Business Needs
As part of our ongoing mission to empower Black entrepreneurs with practical, actionable tools, Black Tech Link recently hosted an in-depth virtual workshop focused on digital tools to explore export markets and classify your products.
Led by Dr. Sarita Jackson, founder of the Global Research Institute of International Trade (GRIT), and moderated by Black Tech Link Executive Director Elizabeth Cotton, the session provided a step-by-step breakdown of how small business owners can use publicly available tools to identify global opportunities—starting with the data.
Why Export?
Exporting can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to scale their impact and reach new revenue streams. But many business owners don’t know where to begin or believe the process is too complex. As Dr. Jackson shared, with the right tools, you can make informed decisions about what countries to target, what regulations apply, and whether your product or service is competitively positioned for the global market.
And the best part? Many of these tools are completely free.
Key Tools for Export Readiness
1. Trade Stats Express (trade.gov)
Dr. Jackson demonstrated how to use Trade Stats Express—an online resource from the U.S. Department of Commerce—to research U.S. exports by product and country. This tool allows entrepreneurs to assess market demand, track trade trends, and compare export performance over time.
For instance, using the HS code system (Harmonized System for classifying goods), users can look up exports of vehicles (HS Code 87) and evaluate top buyer countries like Ghana, Mexico, or Canada. Dr. Jackson stressed the importance of analyzing trend data across multiple years, not just a snapshot from a single year. Stability, she explained, is a better signal than sudden spikes.
2. Trade Map (trademap.org)
Trade Map, hosted by the International Trade Centre, offers insights on both goods and services. This is particularly helpful for service providers looking to understand where U.S. business services are in demand.
Dr. Jackson showed how to filter by specific categories (e.g., technical or trade-related services), view top importing countries, and analyze global market share. While the platform’s most detailed data is available with a free account, even guest users can get a strong overview.
3. USITC & Schedule B Tools (usitc.gov & census.gov)
To properly classify your product, Dr. Jackson walked participants through the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the Schedule B search tool. Correct classification is essential—not just for research, but to avoid legal trouble and unexpected tariffs.
She emphasized that misclassifying a product to avoid duties is illegal and advised entrepreneurs to work with a licensed customs broker or freight forwarder to confirm their HS codes. However, these digital tools can help you narrow things down and understand the structure of classification codes (2-digit, 4-digit, 6-digit, etc.).
4. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Tariff Tool
One of the most valuable demonstrations was how to use the FTA Tariff Tool to see whether your product benefits from reduced or zero tariffs under existing trade agreements.
Dr. Jackson highlighted how apparel exported to Mexico or Canada is duty-free thanks to the USMCA, while the same product might still incur duties in Japan due to the limited scope of the U.S.–Japan agreement.
Top Questions Answered
Can I use U.S.-made products and resell them abroad?
Yes, many exporters buy goods domestically and ship them overseas. Some even specialize in used goods, like used vehicles to West Africa.What if I’m not sure which market to choose?
Start by identifying where your product is already being exported and whether those markets are experiencing stable growth. A country may not be the top importer, but steady demand is often more valuable than volatile markets.Do tariffs change mid-year?
Usually no—changes go through formal processes via the World Trade Organization or trade negotiations. But recent fluctuations have been politically driven and unprecedented, affecting especially small businesses.
Free Market Reports & Office Hours
At the close of the session, Elizabeth Cotton shared that Black Tech Link offers free country market reports to help entrepreneurs explore specific opportunities. For those in the idea or research phase, this is a valuable way to gain deeper insight before investing.
Additionally, free office hours with Dr. Jackson are available on Thursdays for attendees who want personalized help classifying their products, reviewing tariff schedules, or identifying target markets.
Final Thoughts
Small businesses are often told to “think globally,” but rarely given the tools to act on it. This workshop helped change that by turning buzzwords into actionable steps—equipping attendees with the knowledge and platforms to take their next step confidently.
Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to optimize your existing strategy, Black Tech Link and GRIT are here to support your growth.
Want to Join the Movement?
If you’re a small business or nonprofit looking to grow, modernize, and get connected to real opportunity—Black Tech Link is here for you.
➡️ Visit blacktechlink.org
📌 Click on the Small Business Mastery Program
🗓️ Book a free session by hitting Talk With an Expert
Your mission deserves to thrive. Let’s make that happen—together.