.png)
.jpg)
OVERVIEW
The WMarketplace is partnering with California’s Office of Business and Economic Development, GO-Biz, to bring a new export training program to California’s women-owned small businesses. Launching in February of 2025, this new program will offer six weeks of small, interactive virtual workshops to 45 businesses from North, Central and Southern California. The following 12 weeks of mentorship will focus on reviewing content and building an export strategic plan.
GROW YOUR EXPORTS
Expand your business from local to global with our 6-week virtual workshop series. Tailored for California-based, new-to-export, women-owned online businesses, this program provides practical, step-by-step guidance on exporting your products to international markets. Led by expert facilitators with expertise in exporting, and featuring bilingual support (English and Spanish), the workshops cover everything from market research and logistics to leveraging state and federal resources to help you navigate the export journey. Small cohorts of just fifteen companies encourage networking and interaction. Empower your business to grow globally and tap into new opportunities.
In partnership with the International Trade Administration
HOW IT WORKS
Participants will be assigned to one of three workshop cohorts, remaining with that group throughout the six-week learning phase and the subsequent six-week mentorship program. This structure fosters networking and community building among participants.
The workshops will begin on February 11, March 11, or March 13. Each session will be two hours long and delivered virtually in both English and Spanish. All program materials will be fully translated into Spanish to ensure accessibility.
The workshop content focuses on providing practical knowledge and tools to help small businesses new to exporting explore international opportunities and develop a strategic export plan. Following the workshop series, participants will engage in six weeks of mentorship. During this phase, mentors will review workshop material, answer questions, and provide personalized guidance to help participants refine their export plans.
The small cohort model promotes a supportive community, enhances networking opportunities, and allows for interactive learning and personalized feedback.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
WEEK 1
Introduction to Exporting Small Businesses
-
Why exporting matters; core concepts & essential trade terms; case study of a successful small-busienss exporter
WEEK 2
Identifying Your Target Market & Building a Customer Journey
-
Understanding cultural differences and designing a customer journey for success
WEEK 3
Mastering Shipping, Logistics, & Export Documentation
-
Build confidence in managing logistics as part of the export process
WEEK 4
Pricing, Taxes & Payment Systems for International Sales
-
Create an effective pricing, tax and payment strategy to protect your margin
WEEK 5
Maximizing Customer Value and Retention
-
Develop a plan to serve your international customers to drive loyalty
WEEK 6
Financial Planning, Compliance & Long-Term Export Strategy
-
Create an export strategy that incorporates your bottom line
PLEASE APPLY IF:
-
You are a California, woman-owned business that is new to exporting
-
You are a consumer products or food and beverage-based business (other categories will be reviewed as space allows)
-
You have been in business for at least one year and have products that are in inventory or are ready to ship
-
You have a website and are selling online
-
You are ready to commit two hours per week to growing your business!
JOIN US
Thank you for your interest joining the California Exporting Workshops by The WMarketplace! Please fill out the below form to apply.
Applications close January 30, 2025
Questions? Questions? Please reach out to Programs@WMarketplace.com
