Cocaine Is Back on a Global Scale

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Cocaine is back on a global scale and here's what you need to know.

• Global cocaine production has hit an all-time high, along with record seizures, consequences, and deaths.
• Cocaine accounts for nearly one-third of U.S. overdose deaths.
• Cocaine enforcement has intensified, targeting maritime routes and cartel leadership to reduce access and use. 

Read more about how the global glut in cocaine shocks the world.

On a Global Scale, Here's What Can Happen If You Play Around with the Fed

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Four USA bank CEOs weigh in on what the consequences would be should the Federal Reserve not be independent.

1. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan says, "The core thing is that an independent Fed is critical to the operating of a great global economy like the United States."
2. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon says, "I think central bank independence, not just here in the United States but around the world, has served us incredibly well."
3. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser says, "The central bank’s ability to operate without White House or political interference is critical to the U.S. economy and financial markets."
4. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon says, "Playing around with the Fed can have adverse consequences, the absolute opposite of what you might be hoping for."

Read all remarks here.

Navigating E-Commerce on a Global Scale

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In this interview with Boris Rütten, head of global ecommerce at CPG giant Henkel, he discusses the ever-changing landscape of global ecommerce, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and staying attuned to market trends in order to achieve sustainable growth.

Three (3) key takeaways:

1. Establishing successful partnerships in business requires a collaborative approach.
2. Staying vigilant and adaptable to market trends is essential for sustained growth.
3. Customizing strategies according to market-specific needs is key to thriving globally.

Today in Global Small Business: Bridging the Gap on Economic Inequality

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

• How Amazon Prime claims to help small businesses get to the million-dollar level.
• Hey global small business owners, it's okay to not to be okay in front of your employees.
• Quote of the week:  "Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country.  This is your democracy.  Make it.  Protect it.  Pass it on. – Thurgood Marshall
• Economic inequality is pervasive inside and outside of companies. Some CEOs, like Bank of America’s Brian Moynihan , have made efforts to bridge that gap. 
• Check out the top ten fastest growing searches – by global small business owners who feel these services will help them succeed in a more online first world – on a global scale over the previous six months according to Fiverr.
• All it takes is one good TikTok video to be discovered worldwide and achieve viral fame. 
• Happy Columbus Day 2020.

On a Global Scale, Simone Biles Is Crushing It; Best Gymnast in the World (Video)

State Trade Expansion Program Helps Small Businesses Start or Expand Export Activities

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The U.S. Small Business Administration remains committed to ensuring small firms in Colorado and across the U.S. have the tools and resources they need to take their business global.   In this example, they have awarded CO state $186,140 through its State Trade Expansion Program.  Launched in 2011, this program allows 56 U.S. entities to compete for federal matching-fund awards that help small businesses start or expand export activities.

With the help of STEP funds, Gold [Andrew Gold, president and founder of Aircraft Technical Book Co., a small business based in Tabernash, Colorado] attended a trade show in India and engaged online resources in search of new customers and partnerships. Today, the nine-person company is expanding to develop a new certification for aviation and aerospace avionics technicians in the U.S. and in Europe and in turn setting up ATBC to expand to serve a new untapped market.

Read more:  Program helps small firms export on a global scale

Meanwhile, contact the SBA to speak to an export finance manager about the counseling, training and financing opportunities available to help your mall business grow and compete across borders.

Today in Global Small Business: How to Negotiate a Killer Foreign Distributor Agreement

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

• What happens to SME trade should Britain leave the European Union?
• Valuable leadership lessons from Intel chief Andy S. Grove.
• Acair goes global.  Wait, not so fast.  Who is Acair?  A Gaelic non-profit book publisher.
• How micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are at the heart of industrial activity in India.
• Five ways to increase your business on a global scale.
• How to negotiate a killer foreign distributor agreement (no charge webinar on 4/13).

Does the Size of Your Business Matter for Global Scale?

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TradeUp (tradeupfund.com) is a new equity crowd funding platform for globalizing companies that was founded by Kati Suominen who has deep expertise in international trade, economics and finance. Companies can raise $100,000 to $20 million in debt or equity through TradeUp.  It enables globalizing companies to connect and transact with a range of accredited investors (angels, superangels, VCs, PE funds, family offices, strategic investors, lenders, etc.).

I interview Kati below on why she started TradeUp, how companies can get on board and whether size matters for global scale.

Read:  Does Size Matter for Global Scale?

Related article:  Companies Don't Need to Scale to Trade Internationally; They Need International Trade To Scale

Global Trade Can Be Peachy

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We preach the global trade gospel all the time via this blog but learn what the folks in Atlanta, Georgia have to say about scaling your business globally.

Read more here.