Global Diversity Export Initiative Events
Featured Events
The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, organizes trade programs and events to support minority businesses interested in exporting.
The U.S. Commercial Service’s Building Bridges to Global Markets brings in-person exporting expertise to your community. Addressing issues most common to diverse businesses seeking international sales expansion, this series of events will introduce reliable contacts, accurate information, and ready-to-use resources that will place you firmly on the road to exporting success.
Addressing issues most common to diverse businesses seeking international sales expansion, this series of events will introduce reliable contacts, accurate information, and ready-to-use resources. In 2024, we’re teaming up with some of our GDEI Strategic Partners to bring the Building Bridges to Global Markets program to the following annual conferences as well as a number of other events.
- American Indian Reservation Summit | Las Vegas, NV | March 11-14
- U.S. Hispanic Chamber Legislative Summit | Washington, DC | April 22-24
- USPAACC CelebrAsian Business Conference | Atlanta, GA | May 29-31
- National Black Business Conference | Atlanta, GA | August 21-24
Exporting Home Latin America Virtual Connection Program
September 23-26, 2024
The Exporting Home Virtual Connection Program Latin America will enable businesses in the Hispanic diaspora business community in the United States to schedule a week’s worth of meetings with with potential partners across Latin America targeting best prospect industries. This is a new and innovative program leveraging the U.S. Commercial Service worldwide network and the power of the Latin American Diaspora network to help all U.S. businesses - including U.S. Hispanic-led enterprises - succeed in the region.
Let us help you connect with reliable contacts in Latin America:
• Engage in a week’s worth of 40-minute one-on-one virtual meetings with pre-screened, in-country potential buyers and distributors from across the Latin American region.
• Engage with U.S. Commercial Service and Minority Business Development Agency representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
• Meet with U.S. Commercial Service U.S.-based Trade Specialists and In-country Commercial Diplomats.
Learn More & Register for the Virtual Connection Program
National Black Business Conference 2024 | Atlanta, GA | August 21-24
This year’s conference is themed, “WE ARE TOGETHER.” This momentous gathering resonates with the collective voice of Black business leaders, both domestic and abroad, symbolizing unity, strength, and purpose as we honor and celebrate National Black Business Month.
Join us for Building Bridges to Global Markets at the National Black Business Conference
Date: August 23, 2024 10am – 11:30am EST
Location: Hilton Atlanta Hotel, 255 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA
During the information-packed Building Bridges session on Friday, federal trade organizations, trade resource organizations, and successful exporters will share guidance on how to export, how to finance, and how to find tools you need to succeed internationally. This session is open to all conference registrants.
South Africa Personal Care Opportunities
This initiative aims to help U.S. cosmetics and personal care companies build capacity and access market opportunities in South Africa.
Opportunities will be open to all U.S. businesses in the sectors and are designed particularly to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the African diaspora and underserved communities, including African American, woman, and minority owned businesses.
Pro Beauty Expo in Johannesburg, South Africa: U.S. cosmetics and personal care companies will have the opportunity to participate in-person at this annual show.
Rural Building Bridges at the Mississippi Delta | Greensville, MS | September 12, 2024
During information packed sessions, you will learn more about exporting and access to capital. Meet our local exporting experts for reliable contacts, accurate information, and ready-to-use resources that will place you firmly on the road to exporting success.
Date: September 12, 2024 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CST
Location: Greenville Higher Education Center
2900 Highway 1 South
Greenville, MS 38701
Register Now
National Veteran Matchmaking Conference
The annual signature conference will host the largest gathering of Certified Service Disabled and Veteran-Owned Businesses and will be held live in Michigan, with a location TBD.
The National Veteran Matchmaking Conference and Vets Night Out will provide insights through a diverse and dynamic group of keynote speakers and panelists to help navigate the procurement process and provide updates on the industry’s current state.
The Annual Conference will include Vets Night Out, where corporations and Veteran business owners network on a more informal basis and will feature a special Guest Speaker.
GDEI Trade Mission to the Caribbean Region
Focused on expanding export opportunities for diverse businesses in industries with growing potential in the Caribbean region. Mission will include the “Opportunities for Minority-Led Businesses in the Caribbean Region Conference” in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on November 17-18.
Date: November 17-22, 2024
Application Information
GDEI Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia
The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), is organizing a Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia from December 8-9, 2024. Connect with opportunities in the Middle East by participating in the planned trade mission to Saudi Arabia. This mission will connect diverse businesses across best prospect industries with opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
Who should attend?
This mission is focused on expanding export opportunities to U.S. small and medium-sized businesses that are founded, led, operated, or owned by women from industries with growing potential in Saudi Arabia. The mission is horizontal, with various sectors represented, based on best prospects for U.S. companies in Saudi Arabia.
Best prospect sectors include:
- Education/Vocational Training
- Healthcare
- Information and Communication Technology (e.g., e-commerce, HealthTech, financial technology and AI)
- Infrastructure (e.g., project management and architecture)
- Aerospace, Defense, and Security
- Consumer Goods (e.g., beauty and wellness)
- Energy Transition and Renewable Energy
- Transportation and Logistics
- Travel, Tourism and Entertainment
- Waste Management and Water
Recruitment and consideration will be extended to all export-ready U.S. companies, including small businesses, trade associations and other exporting organizations that meet the established criteria for participation in the mission. The trade mission is open to U.S. firms already doing business in Saudi Arabia who are seeking to expand their market share and to those U.S. firms new to these markets.
GDEI Trade Mission to India, Singapore, and Hong Kong
The U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to India, Singapore, and Hong Kong from March 2-8, 2025. The mission is focused on expanding export opportunities for U.S. businesses are owned, operated, or led by women and minorities in industries with growing potential in India, Singapore, and Hong Kong, but is open to all export-ready U.S. companies. Participants will first visit Bengaluru, India for the “Export Markets Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise (EMPOWER) Asia Business Conference” covering 10 regional Asian markets. They will then have the option for up to three trade mission stops in India (Bengaluru), Singapore, and/or Hong Kong.
GDEI Events: More Ways to Engage
By signing up for updates on GDEI Event Updates, you will receive email updates regarding upcoming trade events, webinars, and other educational opportunities and programs for companies interested in expanding internationally.
If you missed one of our key events, you can view selected recordings below.
Locate Additional Events Targeted to Your Needs
See our full event calendar. Attend a local event to connect with experts to learn more about exporting. Find a U.S. or overseas trade event to find potential partners through our matchmaking programs!
Additional Assistance
