(Washington, DC) – Today the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) joined the DC Chamber of Commerce in welcoming representatives from the U.S. Commercial Service, Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), to kick off ExportDCs 2013 calendar of trade events, which includes trade missions, trade shows, and international business conferences for firms based in Washington, DC.

“ExportDCs goal is to promote the products and services of our locally based companies to international markets,” said Robert Summers, DSLBD Interim Director. “For the many small businesses who want to sell their goods and services overseas, ExportDC provides guidance to make this possible. The trade events present a good opportunity to connect directly with decision makers to explore exciting opportunities associated with international business.”

The international events are a way for small businesses to identify new business opportunities through networking and one-on-one meetings with potential partners, clients and government officials. In addition, the updated ExportDC calendar showcases new trade missions into Colombia and South Africa, and encourages small businesses to come together to establish partnerships and receive up-to-date market information from in-country experts while positioning themselves to win new sales overseas. The calendar further advances the goals of Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s mission of promoting economic growth and investment both in the domestic and foreign market, and will focus on building capacity in small businesses that are ready to take the next step and move into an international market.

For more information on the calendar of events, please contact Jonathan Brady at [email protected] or visit http://dslbd.dc.gov/service/exportdc.

To learn more about DSLBD, please: visit dslbd.dc.gov, follow DSLBD on Twitter at @SmallBizDC, or like our Facebook page facebook.com/bizDC.