CITD Mission
We invest in California's economic growth and global competitiveness through industry-specific education, training and services that contribute to a highly skilled and productive workforce.
About California CITD
- Established in 1989, the California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) are funded by the Chancellor’s Office of the State of California to promote the state’s international trade and competitiveness, assist exporters and importers, and advance economic and job growth. The CITDs assist California business to expand internationally as well as help colleges become more globalized.
The California CITDs have offices across the state and provide a full range of trade assistance services to companies and individuals in the state of California. All services are either free or low cost. Whether you are new or experienced in export or import, small or large, CITD has experts and resources ready to help you. Our free or low-cost programs and services include one-on-one technical assistance and consulting, market research, training and educational programs, trade leads and special events. The CITD is a place to learn about international matchmaking events and other programs taking place both in California and abroad.
Key services include:- Deliver Export and Import Programs to Create Jobs
- Inform Career Pathways and Technical Assistance
- Expand Global Trade Curriculum and International Marketing Opportunities
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Automated Export System (AES) & PcLink Compliance Training
The Automated Export System (AES) Compliance Seminar is an all day program where experts from the Department of Commerce (Census Bureau and Bureau of Industry and Security) speak on export filing requirements. The AESPcLink Workshop is a 3 1/2 hour program that provides hands-on experience for the reporting of Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the AESPcLink system. Customs and Border Protection recognizes this programs a mitigating factor should a penalty be issued; mitigating factors can lead to lower fines.
The El Camino CITD and San Diego CITD, active members of their local Metropolitan Export Initiatives, works with federal partners to bring this valuable training to California on an annual basis so exporters can attend training locally.
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Beauty Industry Market Access (BIMA)
Join our five week intensive international trade and business education program taught by leading health and beauty industry experts. BIMA participants will focus on key program principles distinct to conducting business overseas, will receive bi-monthly objectives for assessing their business, and ultimately produce an export growth plan exclusive to their business. Participants will also have access to upcoming trade missions to the world’s largest emerging market beauty tradeshows - effective venues for executing learned principles and business plans.
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California Agricultural Export Training (CalAgX)
The CalAgX training series is funded by the USDA Specialty Crops Block Grant program, and is aimed to help California producers, processors and marketers of California grown or processed specialty crops develop their "next steps" to expand globally. From understanding the financial and promotional assistance available to establishing your trade assistance network and responding to foreign sales inquiries, moving products overseas and resolving export barriers, this course will add value to your international marketing endeavors.
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California State Trade and Export Promotion (California STEP)
The California STEP project leverages a statewide network of state, federal, private and non-profit trade promotion organizations to facilitate export promotion, activities, serving targeted industries, to drive exports for small businesses. The goals are two-fold: (1.) increase the value of exports for small businesses and (2.) increase the number of small businesses in California who export.
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Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) Exam Preparation
Our on-line training course helps to prepare international trade professionals to sit for the NASBITE CGBP exam. The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) is a designation, accredited by NASBITE International, that demonstrates an individual’s ability to conduct global business. It is a benchmark for competency in global commerce.
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Export Readiness Assessment (ERA)
An interactive, on-line diagnostic tool to assess a company's export readiness, developed by Maurice Kogon. The 23-point assessment (questions listed below) provides immediate feedback in the form of an export readiness test score with a detailed, point by point diagnosis.
It is designed for:- Companies that see exporting as a possible new or expanded activity but are uncertain about their export potential or prospects.
- Export counselors who need a fast, user-friendly way to "qualify" new clients for export assistance.
Using the Export Readiness Assessment, a company's export readiness is determined by its answers to questions about its present operations, attitudes and products. The assessment addresses the company's export readiness in each area and suggests specific steps the company can take to build on its strengths and overcome any weaknesses. The Export Readiness Assessment can be taken at home, in the office, or under the purview of trade counselor.
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Global Logistics Program
The San Diego CITD received a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Business and International Education Program Title VIB – to assist institutionalize Southwestern College (SWC) newly established Logistics and Transportation Certificate/A.S. Degree Program at its Higher Education Center (HEC) location in Otay Mesa, California. The International Logistics and Transportation Certificate/A.S. Degree is an online program with a transfer option.
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Student Internship Program
Internship opportunities for motivated students who want to broaden their international skills are available. Our Interns are given meaningful and interesting projects to enhance learning and are encouraged to attend CITD meetings and events related to their projects. To be considered for a CITD Internship, please contact the regional CITD office nearest you.
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Youth Entrepreneurship Program
The state-funded Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) provides young entrepreneurs with free business training and counseling in areas including business start-up, management, marketing, finance, and more. Online training modules are available in both English and Spanish for youth between the ages of 14 to 27 interested in starting a business or curious about self-employment as a possible career path.
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The Opportunity
For community colleges to become essential catalysts to California’s economic recovery and jobs creation at the local, regional and state levels.
The Strategy
Doing What MATTERS for jobs and the economy is a four-pronged framework to respond to the call of our nation, state, and regions to close the skills gap. The four prongs are:
- Give Priority for jobs and the economy
- Make Room for jobs and the economy
- Promote Student Success
- Innovate for jobs and the economy