State officials encourage exports

Small business owners in Missouri are being urged to look abroad to expand their business. The Small Business Administration has helped put on a workshop on export marketing in Kansas City and has an Export Assistant Center in St. Louis. SBA Deputy Administrator Fred Hochberg says the SBA offers a line of credit to those trying to become established in the export market. Other financial assistance is also available. Hochberg suggests businesses in Missouri look to Canada or Mexico first, the countries in the North American Free Trade Agreement. He says Western Europe also would be a good first-time attempt for business owners.