TRENTON, NJ (May 29, 2026) — More New Jersey small businesses are exporting their goods and services overseas than many would assume. Headlines tend to spotlight multinational corporations, yet a quieter shift has occurred among firms with fewer than 10 employees. For these companies, exporting is no longer an abstract ambition, but “a practical avenue for growth,” according to the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) in a recent article published by New Jersey Business Magazine.
The New Jersey Business Action Center explained that the misconception is largely one of visibility. “Global brands dominate coverage, reinforcing the idea that international trade requires massive scale and resources. In practice, company size and industry are not reliable predictors of export success. Small manufacturers, food producers, pharmaceutical firms, and service providers are all finding buyers abroad. US service exports alone reached $1.2 trillion in 2024, highlighting how frequently services – often overlooked in trade discussions – cross borders.”
According to NJBAC, “New Jersey’s dense, interconnected economy supports international activity. Businesses operate within reach of major ports in Newark and Elizabeth, with additional East Coast logistics hubs nearby. Federal, state, and county-level partners add trade expertise and connections. This concentration of infrastructure and institutional knowledge lowers barriers that might discourage firms in less connected regions.”
Education also plays a significant role, NJBAC noted. “Training and outreach efforts have helped demystify terminology, compliance requirements, and market entry strategies. Many executives discover they already possess some familiarity with international markets through prior employment, professional networks, or competitor activity. That baseline awareness, the organization said, can serve as the foundation for more formal export planning.”
NJBAC also emphasized that companies that adopt a defined roadmap – identifying target countries, assessing demand, and understanding regulatory frameworks – are better positioned to gain traction. “Market analysis clarifies receptivity and compliance obligations, particularly in heavily regulated sectors such as food and personal care. Documentation requirements, including certificates verifying products meet US standards, can determine whether a sale proceeds. Addressed proactively, these technical steps become manageable.”
“Exporting also provides strategic benefits. Selling into multiple countries can help stabilize revenue, as economic cycles abroad often move at different rates than in the US. International markets may also provide opportunities to test or refine products before domestic introduction.” According to NJBAC, these foundational steps can improve readiness for small businesses considering overseas sales:
• Develop a written export plan: Identify target markets, timelines, and objectives before pursuing sales.
• Conduct market and regulatory research: Understand demand, industry-specific rules, and documentation needs.
• Assess internal capacity: Evaluate staffing, production, and financial resources to sustain international orders.
• Leverage existing knowledge: Draw upon employee experience, professional networks, and industry insight.
• Explore logistics pathways early: Identify ports, freight options, and distribution channels aligned with product and destination.
• View exporting as a long-term strategy: Treat it as a sustained extension of domestic growth rather than a single transaction.
As awareness expands and practical guidance becomes more accessible, exporting is increasingly seen not as a pursuit for global giants, but as “a realistic, attainable pathway” for many of New Jersey’s smallest firms, NJBAC underscored.
ABOUT NJBAC
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), part of the New Jersey Department of State, serves as a business advocacy organization focused on helping companies navigate government processes, solve operational challenges, and identify growth opportunities. The organization provides support to businesses at different stages of development, from entrepreneurs launching new ventures to established companies seeking expansion opportunities.
Through its network of business advocates and partnerships with government agencies, NJBAC helps businesses connect with incentive and financing programs, workforce development resources, permitting assistance, regulatory guidance, and export-related programs. The organization also provides project management support for complex business initiatives while offering confidential assistance designed to help companies navigate state and local resources more effectively.
Originally written by the New Jersey Business Action Center and published in New Jersey Business Magazine.
