An Open Letter to American Small Business Owners in Agriculture, Food, and Beverage

Dear Fellow Business Owner,

In the midst of the ongoing longshoremen strike disrupting our ports from Maine to Texas, we are reminded of our deep reliance on imports. As Americans, we’ve grown accustomed to, and perhaps even dependent upon, the colorful variety of imported products available to us every day. That variety is now threatened, with potential shortages looming if the strike continues. However, I’m not writing to highlight a problem, but to present you with an opportunity—one that benefits you, your family, your community, and even our nation.

Now is the time to balance our dependency on imports by aggressively engaging in exporting your own high-quality American products to global markets. Let’s lean into this opportunity to provide the world with the same diverse offerings that we enjoy. The world wants what we have to offer, and there has never been a better time to seize the moment.

Your business, like so many others, produces products that are trusted globally for their safety, quality, and dependability. While political conversations swirl around trade deficits, tariffs, and strikes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or hesitant about exploring international markets. Maybe you find the idea of exporting confusing, off-putting, or simply out of reach. But the truth is, exporting can transform your business and play a critical role in strengthening not only your bottom line but also our local and national economy.

You might be wondering, “Is exporting right for my small business?” The answer is likely yes. Many business owners are unaware of the substantial incentives that make exporting more accessible—and potentially more profitable—than domestic sales. For instance, export credit insurance can cover 90-98% of your receivables on export deals. When was the last time your domestic sales were backed by such guarantees? Additionally, you may qualify to receive 50% reimbursement on international marketing costs—from labeling to promotional materials to trade shows—through cost-share programs designed to make global expansion easier. And if financing your expansion is a concern, working capital loans from trusted institutions like SBA and EXIM Bank are available to provide the cash flow needed for inventory or extending credit terms. 

These incentives, combined with growing global demand for high-quality American food and beverage products, signal that now is the perfect time to take that next step. Logistically, exporting is easier than ever. With larger minimum orders, technological advancements, and simple delivery points within the United States, such as Laredo, Miami, or Montreal, expanding into international markets has never been more straightforward.

I understand that the current global chaos may make you feel powerless or uncertain. But the truth is, you have the power to take control of your business’s growth—while benefiting your family and community—by stepping into international sales. Don’t wait for the domestic market to catch up—the world is ready and waiting for your products.

I invite you to join me for a 30-minute conversation to discuss how your business can benefit from exporting. Together, we can explore how to navigate the global marketplace and unlock new levels of success for your business, your community, and our national economy. Click here to schedule our chat.

What do you have to lose? Let’s talk.

Sincerely,
Marianna Chapman
Chief Operating Officer, FEAST Global

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