The Business Environment in Chicago
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Transcript of The Business Environment in Chicago
‘Building Bridges through Women Empowerment’The United States-South Africa Women’s Business Forum
October 24, 2011
Richard PaullinExecutive Director
The International Trade Association of Greater Chicago
Chicago & IllinoisAppropriate place to start the
USSAWBF Dialog
U.S. MidwestA Diversified Economy
Distribution Center for the U.S.
Regional Diversity: Understand Your Target Market
Midwest
West
Southwest South
Northeast
USSAWBF DIALOG
The USSAWBF will serve as a springboard for increased economic empowerment of businesswomen in South Africa…
faciltation of business relationships between South African and American businesswomen will be emphasized.
Amb. Nomvume P. MagaqaConsul General
Understand the Diversity of Your Target Market/Partners
Take the time to do your research.
Get to know the market:
Product localization
Market segmentation
Distribution channels
Positioning strategy/product differentiation
Recognize there may be a language barrier
Some Helpful Internet Resources
• Thomas Register: http://www.thomasnet.com/• Federation of International Trade Associations:
http://fita.org• U.S. Small Business Administration: http://www.sba.gov/• “Legal Handbook for Doing Business in the United States,”
by the Swiss government, available at: http://itagc.org/research.asp
• Entrepreneurial Hot Sites: The Best Places for Starting and Growing a Business: (by the National Policy Research Council): http://www.nprcouncil.com/hotsites/
‘Building Bridges through Women Empowerment’The United States-South Africa Women’s Business Forum
October 24, 2011
Richard PaullinExecutive Director
The International Trade Association of Greater Chicago