San Diego City Wire

The University of San Diego (USD) School of Business’ Ahlers Center for International Business recently created a no-cost fellowship intended to assist local small businesses in expanding into international markets.

The Global Readiness Program held its first information session on Dec. 15, covering not only the intent of the program, but the potential benefits of expanding into international sales that can be attained even by small businesses, according to a press release from the university.

“The benefits of internationalization are very significant, especially right now, but only 1% of U.S. businesses are currently exporters,” Eileen Daspro, clinical professor of International Business, said in the release. “With the current crisis, there’s a unique opportunity for small businesses to pivot and reach out to international markets. USD is excited to offer the Global Readiness Program, which was created to help them do just that.”

With 95% of consumers residing outside the United States, international markets present a significant opportunity for small businesses, according to the release. Building an international customer base also provides the benefits of a diversified consumer base with less dependence on the local market, as well as offering opportunities for increased revenue by commanding higher margins in international markets.

The fellowship opportunity is able to be offered for free to participants in part due to a gift from John Ahlers, according to the release. The intent of the gift is to “maximize San Diego’s position in global commerce.”

Ranked second in California for international business and involved in over 100 international business consulting projects on four continents, the Ahlers Center has approximately a quarter century of experience in the field, according to the release.

“Through supporting San Diego’s small businesses, the Global Readiness Program will ultimately benefit the economic competitiveness of the San Diego region,” the release states. “It is designed to complement the World Trade Center San Diego’s flagship MetroConnect program by supporting local businesses with differing levels of international experience as they seek to grow their sales internationally.”