WASHINGTON - A new Web site to assist small businesses seeking to tap into international markets was launched today by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with the American International Group, Inc. (AIG) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The new Web site at www.AssessYourInternationalRisk.org is designed to provide small businesses with information that will help them determine what insurable exposures they may encounter in doing business overseas. These can range from credit and liability risks with unknown customers to workers' compensation laws, which can vary widely.

"This is part of the SBA's ongoing efforts to provide the best information resources to small business owners, especially through online access," said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. "SBA, along with AIG and the Chamber of Commerce, is committed to promoting initiatives that give small businesses an advantage that can create increased opportunities."

"AIG is pleased to continue our relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and begin a relationship with the SBA to meet the evolving needs of growing companies across the nation," said Kristian P. Moor, executive vice president, AIG, Domestic General Insurance. "The combination of public and private sector resources will provide small business owners with the information they need to make smart decisions concerning overseas expansion, and how to address the risks inherent in entering the international marketplace."

Small businesses are more likely to be unfamiliar with the risks involved in doing business overseas. A lack of knowledge may needlessly stifle or jeopardize a company's expansion. The site, www.AssessYourInternationalRisk.org, will help entrepreneurs in creating an environment where they can gain the knowledge to expand and protect their business on an international scale.

The Web site features a convenient ask-the-expert option where small business owners can ask questions about the risks in doing business overseas.

Credit:
Release Date: October 16, 2003 Contact: Sue Hensley (202) 205-6444
Release Number: 03-75 Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news/staff.html

For more information about all of the SBA's programs for small businesses, call the SBA Answer Desk at

1-800 U ASK SBA or TDD 704-344-6640,

or visit the SBA's extensive Web site at

http://www.sba.gov.

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Related Information:

NBA Benefit Provider - U.S. Small Business Administration

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Reprint of this article does not constitute an endorsement by the National Business Association; the article is for informational purposes for our members and viewers of our Web site.