Beyond Borders: Weekly Trade Briefing with the OCIE SBDC

Thursdays | Starting June 26, 2025 | Begins at 12 pm

*Schedule will be updated throughout the program.

Struggling to keep up with shifting tariffs, trade policies, or export documentation?

Join the OCIE SBDC Global Trade Center for our new weekly virtual office hours — your go-to resource for real-time export guidance, trade updates, and expert insights designed for business owners in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

What to Expect:

• Weekly trade insights – Hear the latest on global market shifts, tariffs, and compliance
• Live Q&A with trade experts – Get answers to your pressing export questions
• Spotlight resources/topic – Learn about grants, programs, and partners that can help your business grow globally

Program Schedule:

Week 6 | Thursday, August 7, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring SBDC Partner: Richard Swanson, Acting Director, Irvine USEAC & Elmer “EJ” Richardson, Commercial Officer - US Commercial Service

Developing Digital Strategies and International Distribution Channels - Learn how the U.S. Commercial Service helps companies build effective digital strategies and expand into global markets. This session will also highlight real-world insights from the speaker’s experience in Brazil and how Commercial Specialists can assist in identifying international partners and distributors.

Week 7 | Thursday, August 14, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring SBDC Partner: Mariana Guevara, Export Program Manager - California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development

Join to learn about the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant administered by the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). During this presentation, attendees will gain valuable insights into eligibility criteria, permissible expenses, and the application process. This event is highly recommended for individuals who are entering the export market or expanding their existing export activities.

Week 8 | Thursday, August 21, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring: Larry Ward, Partner & Office Head - Dorsey & Whitney

In 2025, the U.S. has intensified export controls on sensitive technologies—including AI, robotics, and advanced ICT. This session will cover key updates to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the importance of end-use and end-user due diligence, and best practices for maintaining a strong internal compliance program.

[CANCELLED] Week 9 | Thursday, August 28, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring SBDC Client: Brian Butler, VP of Sales & Marketing - Grandma Lucy's

We'll have an engaging conversation with a small business that has successfully expanded into international markets with its line of all-natural, freeze-dried pet food. This session offers firsthand insights into the practical steps, challenges, and rewards of exporting.

Week 10 | Thursday, September 11, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring: Vipe Desai, Executive Director - Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)

In the world of surfing, Vipe has done it all, from owning a surf shop to starting brands to keeping all the surf companies in line and growing the sport. He’s an active advocate for the environment and sustainability efforts. We’ll dive into why being part of an industry association can benefit a small business, how the surf culture has spread globally and if storytelling is really important to growing a small business.

Week 11 | Thursday, September 18, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring: Michael Jackson, Attorney - Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP

U.S. importers are facing increasing uncertainty amid evolving trade policies. In 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have intensified enforcement efforts, marked by a rise in audits, significant penalties, and import holds related to forced labor concerns. This session will explore key enforcement trends and provide practical strategies to help companies maintain compliance.

Week 12 | Thursday, September 25, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring: Maurice Gibson, VP of Operations - CISOSHARE

This session will help you understand how data laws, cloud storage risks, and international data transfers impact your business. You'll get a simple, easy-to-follow plan to help you reduce risk and protect your business without slowing down your global growth.

Week 13 | Thursday, October 9, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring: Ina Wang, Business Consultant - OCIE SBDC Global Trade Center

Join us for an engaging session with Ina Wang, Business Consultant of OCIE SBDC Global Trade Center, a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, as we discuss customs fraud and false claim risks. With the U.S. government prioritizing tariff enforcement, businesses face increased scrutiny on how they classify, value, and declare imported goods. This session will explain what false claims mean in trade compliance, identify common mistakes importers make, and highlight why enforcement has become more aggressive.

Week 14 | Thursday, October 23, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring: Angel Sanchez, CEO - Phenix Technology

Join us for a conversation with Phenix Technology Inc., recipient of the prestigious President’s “E” Award for Excellence in Exporting. In this session, you’ll hear how Phenix has built lasting success in international markets and continues to expand its global reach. The discussion will highlight strategies for entering and growing abroad, lessons learned from navigating export challenges, and how companies can get started.

Week 15 | Thursday, December 4, 2025 | Noon - 12:45 pm

--> Featuring: Norman Arikawa, Executive Vice President and Advisor - Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia

Join us for an engaging Beyond Borders session with Norman Arikawa, Executive Vice President and Advisor to the Chamber of Commerce of Cambodia, and former Assistant Director of the Port of Los Angeles Trade Development Division. With over five decades of experience shaping international trade at the nation’s busiest port, Mr. Arikawa brings unmatched insights into global supply chains, trade policy shifts, and the practical realities facing today’s businesses.

Select the date(s) with the topics you're interested in, and join us on Zoom to stay updated with the international trade world and have your questions answered.

Only webinar attendees will receive the recording and slides.