The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) in partnership with EXIM Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce will host the Virginia Exporting Opportunities: Global Gateway Information and Networking Symposium on October 21st at the ODU Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia!

Join us for a high-impact symposium designed to:

Provide actionable knowledge on exporting opportunities
Strengthen Virginia’s role in international commerce
Offer direct engagement with export trade partners and supporting resources

This event is open to all businesses interested in or already actively pursuing exporting and international trade opportunities.

The information and resources provided at this event will essential for facilitating exports and enabling them to succeed in global markets.

PROPOSED AGENDA

8:30am – 9:00am Networking/Check in (Light Breakfast Refreshments)

9:00am – 9:15am Welcome (EXIM Bank, City of Norfolk. SBSD)

9:15am - 11:45am - Part I: From Local to Global: Exploring Opportunities

Session 1: Why Choose Exporting - My Lan Tran, Ex. Director, Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce

Session 2: Exporting Readiness – My Lan Tran, Ex. Director, Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce

Session 3: Empowering Exporters Through Norfolk's Capital Access Program - EXIM REPP Partner - Robert Sharak, Norfolk Economic Development

11:00 – 11:30am U.S. Department of Commerce I International Trade Administration - Olga Molnar, Director - U.S. Commercial Service, Richmond Office

11:45am – 1:00pm Lunch Program - Elspeth McMahon, Associate VP, ODU Maritime Initiatives

1:00pm – 2:30pm Part II: Developing Your Export Growth Strategies

Session I: Unlock Global Opportunities: Export Strategies for Small & Medium Enterprises - Jonathan Brady, Lead Business Development Specialist - EXIM Bank

Session 2: VEDP International Trade Programs & Services – Elizabeth Di Costanzo, International Trade Manager (Hampton Roads)

Session 3: Export Resources Panel Discussion (VA Dept. of Agriculture, SBA Step Program, SBDC Virginia, U.S. Dept. of Commerce/International Trade Admin, VA Asian Chamber of Commerce )

2:30pm-3:30pm Networking/Visit Resource Tables

3:30pm Adjourn

EXPORTER OPPORTUNITY: If you are an experienced exporter, would like to showcase your business (NO SELLING) and share your experience with fellow business owners, please email angela.barber@sbsd.virginia.gov directly to reserve a complimentary exhibit table. Please include the company name, name of the business owner, how many years you have been exporting, what goods and/or services you offer, what city your business is located in ... TABLES ARE LIMITED AND ON A FIRST COME BASIS …. THIS IS NOT A VENDOR FAIR!

YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND AS LUNCH IS BEING PROVIDED

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT AND WILL NOT BE RECORDED

Virginia Exporting Opportunities: Global Gateway Information Symposium