The World Trade Center Orlando Institute is part of the WTC Orlando and is an educational, non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Institute is dedicated to providing practical, real world business training to ensure that you and your employees remain current on all of the nuances of international trade. Our comprehensive seminars focus on realistic approaches and concrete explanations to a wide variety of international business subjects. In each session, local and nationally known experts delve into the most pressing and timely subjects in international trade. For more information on upcoming lectures and events,please visit our EVENTS page.

How does the World Trade Center (WTC) differ from the World Trade Organization (WTO)?

The WTO is an international organization and is the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) established in the wake of the Second World War. With nation-states as its members, the WTO’s overriding objective is to help trade flow smoothly, freely, fairly and predictably through its involvement in:

For more information regarding the WTO, visit their website at www.wto.org

How does the WTC Orlando work with Enterprise Florida and the Office of Trade and Economic Development (OTED)? 

The WTC Orlando and Enterprise Florida and the OTED have worked together since 1992. The WTC’s programs and educational courses support the mission of the State’s international trade office and in turn, Enterprise Florida supports our programs and works closely with the WTC Orlando to bring focus to Orlando’s international business community.

Established by the Florida General Assembly, the State’s ITO was given two goals:

By promoting Florida exports and attracting foreign investment, Enterprise helps to build Florida’s identity as an international business center, encouraging foreign buyers to look to Florida for products and services. Enterprise is available to the public and most services are rendered at no cost.

Enterprise Florida is home to trade and investment specialists that offer a wide range of services to assist new and existing business of every size.  Trade specialists counsel clients on Florida investment opportunities, analyzing markets, determining export potential, identifying market entry strategies, providing market research, locating potential distributors or agents and working with companies on international trade shows. More information on Enterprise Florida and the OTED can be found, by clicking on the links.

How does the WTC Orlando work with the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC)?

The WTC Orlando and the Orlando office of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) have worked together to help Florida exporters for over two decades. The Orlando USEAC is part of an international network of global professionals with 165 offices in 82 countries throughout the world. The trade specialists at the USEAC focus on trade industries rather than global regions. They assist companies by offering:

What are the benefits of WTC Orlando Membership and how do I become a member?

As a non-profit membership association, the WTC Orlando offers members priority access to international business training, global expertise, and networking connections both locally and through World Trade Centers around the world.  Members also gain free access to International Business Resources, Publications, and International Networking Events.  Most of the events and lectures given by the World Trade Center Orlando are offered to members at a discounted rate.  For more information on how to become a member, including membership packages and pricing, please visit our Become a Member/Renew page.

What services does the World Trade Center Orlando provide and how much do they cost?

The WTC Orlando provides a myriad of different services to Members and non-members. Some services we are pleased to provide free of charge to our Members. Other services carry a fee for Members and non-members. Free Member services include Certificates of Origin and Certificates of Free Sale, Research Inquiries, networking events, and WTC Orlando Membership Directories. Discounted services include WISER Trade Statistic Reports, Roundtables, training programs and meeting rooms. For a full listing of services and pricing quotes, please contact the WTC Orlando at (407) 894-5740

What do the seminars and courses offered by the WTC Institute cost and what are the accepted methods of payment?

The cost for each course varies but generally ranges from as low as $60 for some of our basic classes to $300 for some of the more advanced or multi-day seminars.  To see the pricing for each class, please visit the EVENTS/PROGRAMS page to see specific events.

Pre-payment or payment at the event is required for all events and lectures. On the event page you can follow the ‘PayPal link’ under the event to pay for the event.  If registering online or feel more comfortable giving your information over the phone to the WTC Orlando , please call the WTC Orlando at 407-894-5740 with your credit card information.

I want to start exporting. Where can I find information about beginning the process?

The U.S. Department of Commerce makes available through their website a free guide to basic exporting that can help you decide your first steps into that new market. This guide can be found at www.export.gov or receive information at Exporters/Importers Guide at http://www.eximguru.com/. Export.gov also provides you with many more trade resources or answers to questions you may have about taking your company or product overseas. Enterprise Florida also provides a guide for exporting at Exporting Assistance.

Other valuable resources and websites can be found under our TRADE RESOURCES tab. These links will provide regional and national market information, as well as possible means for funding, international news, basic business guides, etc. The World Trade Center Orlando also provides many events and lectures on international trade basics. These classes provide you the chance to learn from experienced instructors and consultants and ask any questions you may have about exporting your product. For more information on upcoming events and lectures, please visit  EVENTS section.

Are there sources of legal assistance for people who are new to exporting?

There are several legal assistance resources available to help businesses that are new to exporting:

The Department of Commerce Office of Chief Counsel for International Commerce can provide information on various legal issues of interest to U.S. exporters on their website at www.osec.doc.gov/ogc/occic.

The Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN) is a nationwide group of attorneys with experience in international trade sponsored by the Federal Bar Association. These attorneys volunteer their time to provide initial legal consultations free of charge to small businesses interested in starting export operations. For more information on the ELAN, please visit their website at www.exportlegal.org.

The American Bar Association (ABA) publishes information on the legal aspects of doing business in specific countries, including guides to foreign law firms and law organizations. For more information on the ABA, please visit the International section of the ABA website at www.abanet.org/intnat/home.html.

A listing of Private Attorneys and Law Firms (found under the heading, Legal Services) that are currently WTC Orlando members can be found on our website under the Industry Member Listing.

Where can I find International Market Research?

To successfully export your product, you should examine foreign markets through research. The purpose is to identify marketing opportunities and constraints abroad, as well as to identify prospective buyers and customers. Market research encompasses all methods that a company can use to determine which foreign markets have the best potential for its products. Results of this research inform the firm of: the largest markets for its product, the fastest growing markets, market trends and outlook, market conditions and practices, and competitive firms and products.

If you do not have the time or means to travel to a potential market to conduct your own research, the U.S. Commercial Service provides excellent country-specific market information on their website at www.buyusa.gov/home/export.html. Depending on the country and the size and potential of their market, an exporter can find information on doing business in that country, the business culture, the import regulations, Country Commercial Guides, etc.

Often times, the best way to find market research is to actually travel to the market and research the environment and potential customers or buyers for your product.  Unz & Co. provide a guide to performing Market Research and Developing a Market Plan at no charge on their website www.unzco.com/basicguide/c2.html.

The WTC Institute of Florida provides seminars on Basic Exporting and Developing a Winning Export Market Plan that provide exporters with information on how to perform and use market research.  For more information on upcoming classes and seminars, please visit our Events page to learn about our future events and lectures.

Where can I find Financing for my Exporting Business?

Export.gov provides a broad overview of U.S. Government export financing programs, including those that can provide working capital, export insurance, and federal grant resources. This can be found at www.export.gov/finance/exp_international_fin_home.asp. This includes information on the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Export-Import Bank.

There are also many Private Banks that will provide loans and working capital to companies looking to expand their business internationally. A listing of Financial Services, Banking and Accounting providers that are currently WTC Orlando members can be found in our Member Listings by Industry index page..

What is an Export License and do all U.S. Exports require one?

An export license grants permission to conduct a certain type of export transaction. It is issued by the appropriate licensing agency after a careful review of the facts surrounding the given export transaction. Not all exports require a license. In fact, a relatively small percentage of all U.S. export transactions require licenses from the U.S. government.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is responsible for licensing products for export. The specialists at BIS can also help you navigate the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to find out whether you must apply for a license and how to submit the requisite application. An excellent explanation of how to understand the Export Administration Regulations and more information on Export Compliance is available on the BIS Web site at www.bis.doc.gov/licensing/ExportingBasics.htm. BIS’s Office of Exporter Services in Washington, DC, (202-482-4811) can also guide you through this process.

The WTC Institute of Florida also provides training focused on Export Compliance, as well as an annual two-day BIS Compliance Seminar taught by the specialists from the Bureau of Industry and Security.  For more information on upcoming compliance classes and seminars, please visit our EVENTS/PROGRAMS Education & Training page.

How can I obtain information about Importing products into the United States?

To obtain U.S. tariff (duty) rates for imports, check on regulations such as import quotas, or obtain general import information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) website at www.cbp.gov and click on “Import.” You should also visit the U.S. International Trade Commission website at www.usitc.gov and click on “Tariff Schedule.” Local Customs offices can also be contacted for import information. A comprehensive listing of U.S. Customs offices and contacts is available on the U.S. Customs website at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/.

The WTC Institute of Florida also provides classes and seminars on the Basics of Importing, Intermediate Importing, Import Law, Import Valuation, and Duty Drawback. For more information on upcoming classes and seminars, please visit our EVENTS/PROGRAMS Education & Training page.

How do I ship my product Overseas?

When shipping a product overseas, the exporter must be aware of packing, labeling, documentation, and insurance requirements. Most exporters rely on an international freight forwarder to perform these services because of the multitude of considerations involved in physically exporting goods.

Export.gov provides information and assistance in shipping both agricultural and non-agricultural products overseas on their website www.export.gov/logistics/exp_shipping_overseas.asp. The information found there can help an exporter distinguish the documentation requirements for export shipments, explain the considerations when selecting a method of shipment, and provide insurance and foreign tax information.

What/Who is a Customs Broker?

Customs Brokers are the only persons who are authorized by U.S. Customs regulations to act as agents for the importers for the transaction of their Customs business. Customs brokers are private individuals or firms licensed by the Treasury Department to prepare and file the necessary Customs entries for importers, including arranging for the payment of duties found due, securing release of goods in Customs custody and otherwise representing principals in Customs matters. Many brokers help clients choose modes of transportation and appropriate carriers, provide assistance to importers in assigning shipments the best routes, assisting with estimates for landed costs, payments of goods through draft, letters of credit insurance, and re-delivery of cargo if there is more than one port of destination.

The customs broker must possess thorough knowledge of tariff schedules and Customs regulations and keep abreast of the amendments made through constant changes in the law and administrative regulations. The broker must be well-versed in determining proper classifications and dutiable value, and be fully aware of the vast number of commodities subject to quotas.

To find a list of WTC Members who can assist you with your Customs Brokerage needs, please visit our Member Listings by Industry.

Why should I use a Freight-Forwarder and where can I find one?

To comply with export documentation and shipping requirements, many exporters utilize a freight forwarder to act as their shipping agent. The forwarder advises and assists clients on how to move goods most efficiently from one destination to another. A forwarder’s extensive knowledge of documentation requirements, regulations, transportation costs and banking practices can ease the exporting process for many companies.

Whether the firm is large or small, the weight of the cargo light or heavy, the freight forwarder will take care of cargo from “dock to door” if requested to do so. This can include the correct filing of export documentation, all arrangements with carriers, packing, crating and storage needs. So, the small and medium-size exporter need not deal with many of the details involved with the logistics of exporting their goods. In addition, freight forwarders typically charge modest rates for their services and have access to shipping discounts.

A listing of Freight-Forwarders that are currently WTC Orlando members can be found on our website under the Member Listings by Industry.

Where can I find information on the WTC Orlando Internship Program?

The World Trade Center Orlando hires unpaid interns for the fall and spring semesters. The applicant should be in undergraduate or graduate school, and studying International Trade, Economics, or Business. More information on the internship, the dates, and the application requirements can be found in our Internship page.

Where is the World Trade Center Orlando?

The World Trade Center Orlando is located on the corner of Fern Creek and Amelia.  Our address is 1600 East Amelia Street, Orlando, FL. 32825.

Where can I find information on Hotels, Restaurants, and Things To Do in Orlando?

The Orlando/Orange County Convention Visitors Bureau, http://www.visitorlando.com/. Their website provides detailed information on events in Orlando, our World Wide attractions and theme parks, hotel information, lists of things to do, dining suggestions and more. They have also included available discounts and coupons on hotels and restaurants.

The Downtown Orlando, www.downtownorlando.com, provides visitors with a listing of events and attractions, areas for shopping and dining, and information on parking and hotels in Downtown Orlando. From here, you can navigate to find information on different parts of downtown.