High-Performing Global Businesses Are Led By Mission Driven Leaders

©iStock/IvelinRadkov

Eva Ados, COO and Chief Investment Strategist, ERShares, says, "High-performing organizations are led by mission driven leaders. This helps in strategic alignment over business strategy leading to purposeful innovation."

Leadership matters in the world of business. ETF (exchange traded fund) investors can explore portfolio strategies that capitalize on this proprietary “Entrepreneur Factor.”

Read more to learn how strong leadership helps ETFs focus on innovation. 

Today in Global Small Business: Global Recovery Will Be Divergent

©iStock/INueng

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

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised this year’s growth forecast upward for the Middle East and North Africa region and says recovery will be 'divergent.'
• Speaking of the latest developments in the global economy, the IMF has upgraded the world growth forecast!
• Millions of small shops in India have now become the next big target of tech firms to integrate technology into local shopping experiences.
• Global and local technology and financial services giants have embarked on a range of projects aimed at enhancing skills and diversity among small businesses in South Africa.
• Quote of the week:  “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” – Albert Einstein
• Managing divergent economies (by the IMF).  We are on firmer ground but there is a high degree of uncertainty.

An Act of Happiness

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"An act of goodness is of itself an act of happiness.  No reward coming after the event can compare with the sweet reward that went with it." – Maurice Maeterlinck

Digital Transformation Is a Driving Force for Global Small Business

©iStock/metamorworks

Global small businesses are now attempting to make a name for themselves in the web-based market, yet few realize the advantages a digital platform truly provides.

How does digital transformation (DT) help global small businesses?  Going digital is rapidly moving away from being a luxury to a necessity.  

Read on to learn the benefits to digital transformation.  Spoiler alert:  DT gives you access to a global market.

Bold Global Entrepreneurialism at Edelman

©iStock/scyther5

Global PR firm Edelman, founded in Chicago in 1952, named Lisa Osborne Ross as CEO of its U.S. operations.  Lisa is the first Black woman to lead a sizable business in the public relations field.  She will oversee Edelman’s largest region, covering 2,360 employees in 13 offices.

The firm said the new leadership will help it innovate and expand into what its global CEO, Richard Edelman, called “bold entrepreneurialism.” It has been researching ways to help clients build trust in their brands and operations.

We are also super excited to see our friend and colleague, Dan Webber, newly appointed to President of Edelman's D.C. office.

Congrats to Lisa and Dan.  We can't wait to see what great strides they make on behalf of Edelman.

CoCreate: Global Small Business

©iStock/Evgeny555

CoCreate: Small Business is a collaboration between [global] small business owners and the Adobe creative community. Funded by Adobe, it’s an initiative that helps provide creative services to select small businesses while also generating paid opportunities for creatives around the world.

Adobe is hiring carefully vetted creatives with skills that will help small businesses make a big impact — from branding and product photography, to social media templates, and more.

All creators and U.S. small businesses (1-50 employees) are invited to apply. The deadline for applications is April 20, 2021.

To learn more and to apply, creative cloud.adobe.com

How to Avoid PR Nightmares in Your Global Business (wegginar®)

©2021 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Have you contemplated any of these issues or concerns?

• How to avoid onboarding a corrupt team or business vendor.
• People are always the weakest link in business yet regular background checks provide less than 1% of what you need to know.
• How to avoid fraud, bribery and corruption issues in international business ventures.
• Due diligence investigations identify “bad actors” and help you mitigate risks. 

We've got you covered.  Candice Tal, founder and CEO of Infortal Worldwide will be showing us the way forward on April 7th at 11AM CT.  She will help us all reduce corporate liability exposure by minimizing business risks and improving risk management options.

The wegginar® is free of charge thanks to wegg®'s generous sponsors:  APCO Worldwide, Associated Bank, FedEx, GlobalCare Clinical Trials, Multilingual Connections, Passport Shipping and Union Pacific.  These companies support the growth of women business owners, especially globally.  

To learn more and to register, visit:  https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2021/03/03/avoiding-pr-nightmares-in-your-global-business-with-candice-tal/

Today in Global Small Business: How Successful SMEs Are Reinventing Global Business

©iStock/phototechno

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

• How successful SMEs are reinventing global business.
• Avoiding PR nightmares in your global business (wegginar® 4/7)
• Quote of the week:  “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein
• Factors to consider on the Suez Canal problem – disruptions and backlogs to name a few.
• The global payment industry is just beginning.
• How to find your first overseas customers (by Laurel J. Delaney)

Sit Still

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.” – James Carroll

The Digital Sales Tax War

©iStock/dubassy

The Biden administration has warned it could slap 25% tariffs on British exports to the US after the UK levied a digital services tax on major technology companies.

Brought in last April, the digital services tax levies a 2% charge on the revenues of search engines, social media services and online marketplaces.

Complicated.  Read more here.

What's Your Side Hustle?

©iStock/ottoblotto

From copywriting and consulting to social media management or private-labeling, side hustles give people a leg up in an economy that has had very little growth for the middle class in the last 40 years.  

What's the growth now?  As of January, 2021, 34 percent of Americans have side hustles.  

Starting a side hustle is extremely easy if you know what you want to do. But if you're not sure where to start, The 2021 Complete Amazon Dropshipping & Private Label Master Class Bundle is something to consider provided you have some extra change to put toward it. 

The Explosion of Fintech Startups in Latin America

©iStock/blackdovfx

The explosion of Latin American fintech startups is largely due to an increase in scalable and easily accessible technologies (allowing founders to test their ideas more quickly and affordably), there is an increase of mobile technology consumers, a cross-border market, and healthy competition so far.

Fintech companies are revolutionizing the way of understanding, creating and providing financial services in modern times, providing new ideas and renewing the traditional formula of the sector through the use of information technologies, mobile applications and big data.

Discover how in the race to create innovative financial products, Latin America has not been left behind and has shown itself as fertile ground.

Cherry Trees in Full Blossom in Japan 2021

Today in Global Small Business: Global Digital Trade for Women

©iStock/Prostock-Studio

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

• Empowering women in developing countries on global digital trade for women.
• Are you ready to export? (by Laurel J. Delaney)
• Quote of the week:  “90% of CEOs believe the digital economy will impact their industry, but less than 15% are executing on a digital strategy.” – MIT Sloan and Capgemini
• The 1,300-foot, 200,000-ton Ever Given got wedged in the Suez Canal shipping channel and we will soon learn what caused this.  Meanwhile, there has been a race to free the giant ship.
• How the stuck Ever Given might roil the global economy.
• A moment of introspection on the coronavirus by Dr. Deborah Birx.

Be the Most Calm

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"When adversity strikes, that's when you have to be the most calm. Take a step back, stay strong, stay grounded and press on." – LL Cool J

Surviving the Global Pandemic: Luck or Hard Work?

©iStock/JLco – Julia Amaral

Global small business owners have embraced the chaos and found ways to adapt. They also know plenty of other owners who would have loved to continue on, but simply ran out of money, time, or good health.

Krystle Lockman, co-owner of Axe and Arrow Brewing said:  “This has showed us a lot about who we were as a company. I really just think from a business perspective, you can only plan for so much before you just have to stay nimble and adapt. Even the best planning can have a complete wrench thrown in it. We hit our projections, just in a very different mix of revenues. For us, it was a little luck and a lot of being adaptable.”

Read more on how these four small-business owners – who all made it – reflect on the pandemic a year later.

Back at the Office? Not So Fast!

©iStock/Halfpoint

As we reach, hopefully, herd immunity with vaccines to treat COVID-19, many countries are preparing something of a return to normality.  What that looks like is hard to say.  

For example, companies that have been forced into remote-work arrangements for the past year now face a complicated decision. Should bosses let workers stay at home, bring everyone back to the office or find a solution in between – called a hybrid approach?

Read on to learn more but bottom line:  Don’t assume that remote work is going to stay – or go. But there are unlikely to be hard-and-fast rules.

Global Pandemic Related Trends in Job Compensation and Job Satisfaction

©iStock/AndreyPopov

Employee compensation across the globe has been disrupted due to the global pandemic, with many employees reporting that salary has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. 

Elements Global Services surveyed 2,200 people from the US, Canada and the UK to explore pandemic-related trends in job compensation, feelings on executive pay and what percent pay raise would compel employees to leave their current job.  Here are their Top 3 findings. 

1. 65% of Americans surveyed say their income either stayed the same or fell in 2020.
2. Top four reasons income decreased in 2020: a. Took a pay cut.  b. Lost my job.  c. My income is variable.  d. New job with lower pay. 
3. 55% of Americans who had their income cut due to the pandemic say it has not yet returned.

There's more.  Take a look at the full report here.

The "Forever Chemicals" Water World According to Erin Brockovich

©iStock/BrianAJackson

Actor Julia Robert's film portrayal of Erin Brockovich, the single mom's key role in winning the largest settlement ever awarded at the time for a direct-action lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), made her a household name.

Three decades later, Erin now talks about her new case on "forever chemicals" in our water, and their potential wide-spread health impact.

"It's frustrating. I [Erin Brockovich] began my work when I was 30 years old. I'm now 60 and the same conversation is happening. Except it's just worse," explains Brockovich.

Read on to learn more about the family of toxic 'forever chemicals', known as PFAS, which hardly degrade under typical environmental conditions.

Today in Global Small Business: The New World of Remote Work

©iStock/Nattakorn Maneerat

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

• Watch out ... here comes Fisker.  They want to change the way you move.
• The 1-hour work (well almost):  15 team management platforms – by Laurel J. Delaney.
• Quote of the week:  “Email is familiar. It’s comfortable. It’s easy to use. But it might just be the biggest killer of time and productivity in the office today.” – Ryan Holmes
• The new world of remote work (interesting read).
• Modern Health – an online virtual mental health benefits startup.
• Cleo – an online service that supports new parents, and has a whole suite of tools to help out with elderly care and childcare. 
• Kudoboard – the perfect group card for special occasions.

For Every Storm, a Rainbow

©iStock/liseykina

An Irish blessing ... 

 “May God give you 

For every storm, a rainbow, 

For every tear, a smile, 

For every care, a promise, 

And a blessing in each trial. 

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, 

For every sign, a sweet song, 

And an answer for each prayer.”

__________

 “Go dtuga Dia daoibh:

Tuar ceatha le gach stoirm

Meangadh gáire le gach deor

Gealltanas le gach buairt

Agus beannachtaí go leor.

Cairde dílse le fadhbanna an tsaoil

A roinnt leat go fial,

Amhrán binn le gach osnaíl

Agus freagra ar gach urnaí.”

Applying the Blue Ocean Strategy to Going Global

©iStock/Viktoriia Fokina

Pawdel CEO Arrian Lim – who is a certified digital marketer [not sure what that is] – discusses how he jumped out of the box of traditional pet marketing, applied the Blue Ocean strategy theory, and created his own growing niche.

He says:

That’s where I think we created a whole new category, our Blue Ocean so to speak. We reframed our proposition for our target market from pet owners to pet parents. Our products aren’t just about fashion or utility. Pawdel is a lifestyle to nurture that humanized relationship with a wearable piece of love.

Read on to learn how Pawdel became a globally competitive pet lifestyle brand.  

"Trust me, you will never lack confidence if you study your business and do your homework. That path will open and will no longer be unknown," says Lim.

Nonprofit Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® Launches 'How She Went Global' Podcast Series

©2021 Julie Smolyansky, CEO, Lifeway Foods.  All rights reserved.

“How She Went Global” podcast launched March 17, 2021 by Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®, is an interview-based platform that tells the stories of women-owned and women-led small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have grown sales and revenues by exporting their products and services. It is designed to appeal to those who want to gain an education on going global, stay informed about new ways to take on the world, get motivated, be inspired and have fun—on a monthly basis.

The first episode featured Julie Smolyansky, who became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held firm at the age of 27 when she took over leadership of Lifeway Foods in 2002—where she still serves as president and CEO.

“You don’t have to be a big corporation to have success in the global marketplace,” Smolyansky (pictured at the top) said. “Even small companies can go global today. I want to inspire the women listening to “How She Went Global” to trust their gut and go for it.”

All episodes of “How She Went Global” – sponsored for a year by Bluedog, a Chicago-based woman-owned Certified B global innovation, strategy and design firm – will be available on Apple iTunes, and will also be shared on social media through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

I am So Proud to Be Irish: Let's Dance Into St. Patrick's Day

©iStock/Peter Liewellyn

Dancing Into St. Patrick's Day at Blacksod Lighthouse in County Mayo, Ireland where my family (Delaney) is from.  Have a wonderful day!

Data Literacy is the New Global Currency

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Data literacy is a hot topic, but just one of many as the fields of data and analytics continue to rapidly remake almost every industry. 

Here are data and analytics quotes and statistics from scientists and practitioners that resonate with people worldwide.  For example, "In a world of more data, the companies with more data-literate people are the ones that are going to win.” — Miro Kazakoff, senior lecturer, MIT Sloan.

Boost your data and analytics savvy because data literacy is the new global currency.

Today in Global Small Business: The Neuroscience Edition

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

• Train your brain to reduce stress.
• Sleep, finally.
• Quote of the week:  "There's an old rule in neuroscience that does not alter with age:  use it or lose it.  It is a very hopeful principle when applied to critical thought in the reading brain because it implies choice." – Maryanne Wolf
• Track fertility – wearable bracelet.
• Neurostimulation for everyone.
• Upgrade your brain.

Find Your Own Fit

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Celebrate the idea that you don't fit in. Find your own fit. Stay unique." – Betsey Johnson

Working From Anywhere

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With 24/7 internet access and working from anywhere becoming more common, it’s not surprising that businesses are approaching customers in their “personal space” — i.e., at home.  And the trick is that you want to find customers who actually need your product or solution, who can afford it and who have the potential to remain loyal patrons for years to come.

Here are three ways small businesses can improve their success in finding new customers.

10 Asia-Pacific Companies Offer Game-changing Solutions to Difficult Problems

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The United States is a leader in every respect – take Walmart, Amazon, Exxon Mobil and Apple.  Yet, South Korea’s Seegene, for example, helped the world diagnose the novel coronavirus quickly and effectively. 

India’s MilkMantra allowed the country’s small-scale dairy farmers to bring their products to market, while ensuring quality control. And Australia’s ProAgni has cleaned up the food chain by developing antibiotic-free supplement for cattle and sheep. 

Read on for more of this year’s best in Asia-Pacific published by Fast Company.

The Big Awakening Caused By Two Words: Transformation and Resilience

©iStock/Dilok Klaisataporn

Financial Times editor and founder of FT Forums, John Thornhill, spoke with Microsoft chief executive and the FT's Person fo the Year for 2019, Satya Nadella.  Below is the edited transcript of their discussion but here is a quick snippet of one of Satya's many comments:

These two words “transformation” and “resilience” through digital tech have [been] the big awakening . . . whether it’s a retailer or even a small retailer, who is able to now do curbside pick-up as a way to continue their business operations or a manufacturer or even a midsize manufacturer being able to do lights-out [fully automated] manufacturing.

Read the full interview here.

All Bets Are On for Going Global

Today in Global Small Business: The Cybersecurity Issue

©iStock/Andy

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

• Small businesses are the #1 target for cyber criminals, with 60% of them closing within six months after an attack. 
• President Biden makes cybersecurity top priority.
• Quote of the week:  "Passwords are like underwear: you don’t let people see it, you should change it very often, and you shouldn’t share it with strangers.” – Chris Pirillo
• Ten basic cybersecurity practices every small business owner should know.
• Question someone's identity?  Read on...
• How to stay safer online – a free cybersecurity tool.

Shaking It Up on St. Patrick's Day

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

I [Laurel Delaney] will be keeping it simple on St. Patrick's Day slurping my Shamrock Shake.  But for those who want to shake it up and live in San Diego, here are a few interesting places to enjoy a bit of Irish fun, food and beverage.  Oh, and for the Chicago folks, Eli's Cheesecake has some good stuff going on with their Green River Cheesecake, yum. 

Whatever you do, please continue to mask up, be safe, stay healthy and wear a bit of green while having all your fun!  

U.S. Suspends Tariffs on Most U.K. Goods To Ease Trade Tensions

©iStock/Shalith

The U.S. and U.K. will suspend tariffs for four months “to ease the burden on industry and take a bold, joint step towards resolving the longest running disputes at the World Trade Organization,” the two countries said in a joint statement.

The suspension of U.S. tariffs on U.K. goods, including whisky, will come into force on Mar. 8. The U.S. decision matches the U.K.’s unilateral move to cease applying retaliatory tariffs in January, which was a bid to de-escalate the conflict.

Note:  U.S. tariffs on a basket of European goods, including French wine and cognac, remain in force.

Read more on how the U.S. suspends tariffs on U.K. goods to ease trade tensions, especially between Airbus-Boeing.

Making the World Your Business Just Got Even Easier

©iStock/lluzishan

The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) — an international trade organization connecting more than 320 World Trade Centers (WTCs) in 92 countries — has introduced its member World Trade Centers — as well as their business members, tenants and clients — to the Global Trade Helpdesk (GTH).

A new online tool makes market research more efficient.  It allows users to compare demand for products across markets, explore tariffs and other market access conditions, access details about buyers and navigate domestic export processes. 

Start exploring.

Step Up and Live Your Values When Expanding Internationally

©iStock/Rawpixel

As more and more U.S. companies commit to supporting diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DI&B) in the workplace, one component that often gets left behind is the extension of those initiatives across an organization’s global offices.

What does it take for multinational companies to stay true to their DI&B values around the world while acknowledging differences in local cultural contexts?

This is a question Nataly Kelly, VP of Localization for HubSpot has thought a lot about. And while there are no perfect solutions, she has identified three key opportunities for companies to step up and live their values when expanding internationally.

Here are the 3 key opportunities for implementing inclusive policies across a global organization.

SpectraSpray Founder Janet Ryan Presents Don't Go Global Alone

©2021 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

In this free of charge wegginar® March 3rd at 11AM CT with founder and president Janet Ryan, SpectraSpray Global, you will:

• Understand foreign regulations for your product
• Communicate with partners in other countries and better understand their market
• Establish a relationship for successful international distribution and events
• Learn services available to you through the U.S. Commercial Service
• Discover legal jurisdiction internationally

About SpectraSpray Global

SpectraSpray Global provides cutting edge, high absorption oral sprays that are easy to use and well received by the public as well as knowledgeable health professionals. Janet's travel friendly line has gained interest from buyers both domestically and internationally.

To learn more and to register, visit:

https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2021/01/22/dont-go-global-alone-with-janet-ryan-founder-of-spectra-spray-global/

wegg's educational wegginar is available at no cost thanks Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®'s generous sponsors.

Today in Global Small Business: Stimulus Measures Offered By Country Due to Coronavirus

©iStock/drogatnev

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

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) is expanding its Think Big for Small Business (TBSB) program globally, to help small and minority-owned AWS Partners gain access to business, technical and marketing enablement support that can help scale their business, according to a statement from the company.
• Here is a list of what each country or region is doing relative to stimulus measures caused by the coronavirus to provide relief to those suffering from the pandemic.
• Quote of the week:  "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." – Socrates
• A roundup at how global small businesses are making a huge difference by supporting education.
• The problems plaguing small business owners seeking loans from the government’s revived small-business relief program have ranged from simple to shocking.
• Shadow I.T. includes the procurement and use of I.T. assets by a business unit or individual (e.g., user-developed applications) without the I.T. organization's knowledge or control.  Is it a technical problem?

Find Yourself

©2021 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Sometimes we must lose ourselves to find ourselves." – Sonny Long

She Can Run: Irish-Bred Filly, Going Global, Makes Her First Start in North America

©iStock/marienka

Irish-bred filly Going Global made her North American debut a winning one February 14 when she took home the $103,500 Sweet Life Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park. 

A daughter of Mehmas, Going Global made her first four starts at 2 across the Atlantic for former trainer Michael Halford. Bred in Ireland by N. Hartery, the filly is out of the Invasor mare Wrood. 

Read more about how Going Global scores first stakes win in Sweet Life.

Ensuring a Steady and Secure Global Supply Chain

©iStock/metamorworks

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

©iStock/trekandshoot

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

©iStock/EtiAmmos

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

©iStock/znm

"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

©iStock/CnOra

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.