Key Business Links

Business Tools

BIDS: The Business Information Database System (BIDS) gives U.S. businesses up to the minute information about significant foreign government and multilateral development bank procurements. Through an interactive map interface, businesses can find new export opportunities, validated by U.S. government economic and commercial experts overseas. Public and private partners can link to or download BIDS data for matchmaking, analysis, or other purposes.

Direct Line for American Business: The Direct Line for American Business program connects U.S. businesses and American Ambassadors and U.S. mission personnel overseas, making you part of our “country team.” You will get up to the minute information on markets vital to your business, and learn about new sectors and tenders to help you expand your business.

BusinessUSA.gov: BusinessUSA is a White House initiative that serves as an electronic clearing house for U.S. Government information and assistance that relates to business.

U.S. Government Resources

  • Department of Commerce: Facilitates global trade by opening up new markets for U.S. goods and services. The Department of Commerce has a wide range of responsibilities in the areas of trade, economic development, technology, entrepreneurship and business development, environmental stewardship, and statistical research and analysis.
  • Export.gov: Brings together resources from the U.S. Government to assist American businesses in planning their international sales strategies and facilitates their success in today’s global marketplace.  Export.gov also hosts information on the National Export Initiative.
  • Export Import Bank of the United States: As the official export credit agency of the United States, it is Ex-Im Bank’s mission to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets; this is accomplished through the financing and insuring of foreign purchases of United States goods for customers unable or unwilling to accept credit risk.
  • National IPR Center: The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) stands at the forefront of the U.S. government’s response to global intellectual property (IP) theft.
  • Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) : Responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. Their expertise include expansion of market access for American goods and services, World Trade Organization issues, and trade, commodity, and direct investment matters managed by international institutions.
  • Overseas Private Investment Corporation : As the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, they help U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides support to small American businesses and small –business owners across the nation through capital (loans), access to federal contracts, and counseling.
  • U.S. Trade and Development Agency:  Links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions.  Additionally, they help to build partnerships and relationships between U.S. companies and overseas project sponsors

Other Resources