Ensuring a Steady and Secure Global Supply Chain

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President Joe Biden is looking to work with international partners to ensure a stable and reliable supply chain.  Further, he is preparing to sign an executive order to review U.S. supply chains for large-capacity batteries, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and semiconductors that power cars, phones, military equipment and other goods.

The United States has become increasingly reliant on imports of these goods - a potential national security and economic risk that the Biden administration hopes to address.

Read more about Biden's review of US supply chains for vital goods.

It's Never Too Early to Prepare for St. Patrick's Day and Get In the Irish Spirit

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

We are already gearing up for the big day March 17th.  Who isn't Irish on St. Patrick's Day?  And o'what are we listening to to get into the wonderful Irish spirit?

We share our biggest secret here and below.  Enjoy.  Hope it brings you a bit of cheer.

Just the Facts, Ma'am or Sir, Just the International Facts

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Get the latest data, facts and reports produced by the International Trade Administration's (ITA's) team of trade specialists.  

Navigate to data relating to a specific topic where you can discover:

• Export Database
• TradeStats Express
• Metropolitan Export Series
• Marketing Diversification Tool
• Economic Research
• FTA Tariff Tool

Go to ITA's Trade Statistics to learn more.

Today in Global Small Business: The Impacts of COVID-19 on SMBs

©iStock/Feodora Chiosea

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Facebook released the latest iteration of its State of Small Business Report, which looks at how COVID-19, and the related lockdown measures, are impacting SMBs around the world.  Full report.
• Not everything is rosy – small-business optimism declines to an eight-month low.
• Quote of the week:  "No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else." – P.T. Barnum
• Take a look at the large U.S. metropolitan areas most dependent on small businesses.
• These businesses thrived during the global pandemic as others struggled to survive.
• Help your company emerge from the pandemic stronger and more agile than ever with these tips.

Stand By Your Word

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Biggest character flaw a person can have?  Not standing by their word." – Laurel J. Delaney

How to Gain Visibility for Your Global Small Business

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In the past, you may have wondered what is the cheapest way to advertise, or even whether it’s possible to find free business advertising. That's what Sandeep Rathore for Small Business Trends pushes us to ponder.

He goes on to say:  "But smart questions go beyond cost alone, so we [Sandeep Rathore at Small Business Trends] have assembled a range of statistics for you to be effective. The authoritative advertising stats and facts below will guide your strategies to help get a good return on investment."

Discover advertising statistics you must know.

The Simplified Trade Regime Just Got Complicated

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"The global pandemic has had a severe negative impact on communities that are heavily dependent on informal cross-border trade, exacerbating, particularly, the challenges faced by women traders," reads the report.

Peter Mathuki, CEO of the East African Business Council (EABC), told The New Times that lockdowns affected women cross border traders especially those who trade under the Simplified Trade Regime (STR).

"Most of these women trade by means of motorcycles, bicycles, and even on foot. These means of transportation aren't allowed to cross the borders," Mathuki said.

The STR is an arrangement implemented by countries to formalize and improve the performance of informal cross border traders and enable them to benefit from regional preferential treatment when importing or exporting goods within the region.

To learn more read how cross-border traders need urgent policy action.

The Story of Your Global Small Business Is Worth Telling to Win $50,000

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Here's your chance to win $50,000 for your global small business.  Enter the 9th annual FedEx Small Business Grant Contest today.  Tell your story!

To learn more and to apply, visit here.  Entries close March 9, 2021.

It's Never Just a Translation

©iStock/sodafish

Timekettle believes that user experience is the core of every consumer product and that every communication is an opportunity to connect and establish a relationship with others. Driven by innovation in design and technology in both software and hardware, Timekettle gives users the tools to expand their opportunities that were once out of reach.

It's never just a translation.  It's about the relationship and the connection.

Learn more about the WT2 Plus Translator Earbuds and ZERO Translator. These products are currently marketed and sold in more than 120 countries and regions under the Timekettle brand.  They are the winner of over a dozen international design awards, such as the iF Award, Japan Good Design Award, and CES Innovation Award. 

Today in Global Small Business: Recognizing the Nation’s First President George Washington For the Job He Did

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• On Presidents' Day, Trump pales in comparison to our greatest leaders like George Washington.
• Historical rankings of presidents of the United States.
• Quote of the week:  "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." – John J. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
• Top US presidents, according to historians and biographers.
• Twelve films to stream in honor of Presidents' Day.
• Remarks by President Biden on America's place in our world.

Happy Paczki Day 2021!

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All right reserved.

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All right reserved.

"Keep calm and eat Paczki."

Hello to the Year of the Ox

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Happy Lunar New Year 2021 Global Small Business Blog friends.  Good riddance Year of the Rat and welcome the Year of the Ox.

Lunar New Year – also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival – begins today, ushering in the second animal on the Zodiac with the second new moon after the winter solstice.

Here's what to know about the holiday and what may change with COVID-19.