Issues & AdvocacyIssues & Advocacy

U.S. Federal Resources to Help You Take Your Practice Abroad

Hot News
Resources to Help Move Your Firm Abroad
Finding Work Abroad Using US Government Resources
Payment Issues
Small Business Succeeding Abroad
How to Connect with Fellow AIA Members in the Country
Additional Resources

Hot News

The AIA is working with the Department of Commerce on a trade mission to India in October 2012. Architects will need to apply through the Department of Commerce’s website on the FIRST DAY that applications open. The applications will be made on a rolling basis, so it is to your benefit to get the applications in early. Click here to obtain a copy of the application so that you can have your application submitted on the first day!

Please bookmark this page to keep in touch on the process, the mission, and more detailed information.

Resources to Help Move Your Firm Abroad

Moving a firm to the next state can be daunting, but looking for business in another country can seem overwhelming. It does not have to be—and there are AIA members who are successfully working throughout the world. The AIA is working with the federal government to help provide resources for you and your firm as you make that move. There are a variety of resources to assist you in finding business intelligence to financing.

Finding Work Abroad Using US Government Resources

The United States Government has a number of resources focused on helping American businesses move abroad.

• International Trade Administration (ITA)
The ITA is a department with the US Department of Commerce. The ITA focuses on helping US manufacturing and service providers export throughout the world. The ITA has centers throughout the US and abroad to help American firms with their export planning. The ITA also leads trade missions throughout the world.

• Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA provides opportunities for funding, mentoring and other business planning issues for exporting services abroad. There are many opportunities for capital access—whether through loan guarantees, export capital program or the international trade program. SBA and ITA employees are often co-located at US Export Assistance Centers.

• Export-Import Bank
The Export-Import Bank is a federal agency which works with companies to fund their purchases of American goods while also helping American firms find working capital for exporting their services.

• Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
OPIC has a small business center which allows for firms with less than $35 million in annual revenue to apply for streamlined loans. OPIC also provides insurance for some of the risks that you could face overseas. Finally, OPIC hosts a Small Business Guide which will provide resources for preparing your business to move abroad.

• The Office of the US Trade Representative
The US Trade Representative is in responsible for developing the White House’s policy on International Trade. The US Trade Representative is a member of the President’s Cabinet and serves as the principal trade negotiator for the United States. The office works closely with the Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration and other agencies listed above on trade related issues.

Payment Issues

AIA members state that obtaining payment from foreign clients is a key concern. When a member works abroad, contracts can be subject to foreign practices and laws. There are a number of resources to help you in your negotiation with foreign companies and ways to insure yourself from non-payment.

Here are a few simple steps which can help you on as you get started:

Contact your local International Trade Administration office. They will have country information regarding the business conditions in your country.

Contact the AIA’s International Committee and ask questions. Fellow members have been there and may assist you in unforeseen trouble spots.

Look for continuing education sessions on foreign practices. For example, at the AIA 2012 Convention, there will be the following CE session “Moving to an International Practice: Making the Decision, Facing the Challenges and Being Successful” on Wednesday, May 16^th. There are other national, state and local meetings which will have information vital to your practice.

Small Business Succeeding Abroad

We all know that getting credit is hard. The SBA specializes in financing small businesses. If you are looking for ways to expand nationally or internationally, the SBA will have financing for you. From microloans to links to venture capital, the SBA provides you with the resources to connect with lenders.

How to connect with fellow AIA members in Country

The AIA has a number of resources to assist members working abroad—including members themselves. There are five international components located in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan and the Middle East. Another resource is connecting with the AIA’s International Committee, which has resources from members working throughout the world.

If you have any questions, please feel free to send them to govaffs@aia.org.

Additional Resources:

More information to be posted soon.