Thrive Program - From Local to Global
Online
Event Details
Are you doing business in the County of Riverside? If you are, then this program is designed to help you and your business grow.
Tuesdays | January 27 - February 17, 2026 | 2 - 4 p.m.
*This program is a part of the County of Riverside grant program.
Small businesses play a critical role in international trade, representing 97% of all U.S. exporters. Yet nearly 6 in 10 export to only one market, leaving significant opportunities for growth untapped. While manufactured goods continue to make up the majority of U.S. exports, service-based businesses are rapidly becoming a powerful force in the global economy. This program is designed to help Riverside County businesses — both product- and service-based — explore and capture those opportunities worldwide.
If your business — whether product-based or service-based — has been operating in Riverside County since January 1, 2024, and you’re looking to expand to new markets around the world, this series is designed for you.
At the completion of the program, eligible participants may apply for a County of Riverside grant of $5,000.
Join the SBDC Global Trade Center for this four-session series covering:
The resources required to expand globally
How to collect and interpret data to identify new markets
Designing an effective international sales strategy
Establishing a strong global supply chain
All participants will also be aligned with an SBDC consultant for no-cost 1:1 customized advising during the program.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
Week 1: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 2 – 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Preparing for Global Expansion
Determining readiness for new markets (products or services)
Steps to prepare your business to expand internationally
Securing and strengthening your supply chain or service delivery process
Week 2: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 2 – 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Finding New Export Markets
Collecting and analyzing data on new markets
Assessing viability for your product or service in new markets
Selecting the best markets for global expansion
Primary research through travel, trade shows/missions, and networking
Week 3: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 2 – 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Positioning for Global Growth
Developing a tailored pricing strategy for exports or services
Key costs to consider
Getting paid, managing cash flow, and forecasting
Funding options and financial resources
Week 4: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 2 – 4 p.m. (Zoom)
Qualifying Buyers and Delivering to Market
Identifying and qualifying international buyers or partners
Working with agents, importers, and distributors
Preparing products or services for export/delivery
Delivering to market while mitigating risks