The Export Assistance Center helps U.S. businesses export their goods by providing introductions to qualified buyers and distributors as well as support throughout the export process. It also hosts trade events to help U.S. businesses promote their products or services.
There are four centers in Illinois: Chicago, Libertyville, Rockford and Peoria. From 2008 to 2009, the centers' assistance generated more than $230 million in export sales for the Illinois economy and successfully helped more than 1,000 businesses.
The Minority Business Development Agency, an arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is charged with helping grow minority businesses. The agency offers minority business owners help with their business plans, marketing and financial planning aid. There are more than 40 such centers across the country.