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Case Study

Empowering DC-Based SMEs for Global Success:
Factum Global’s Training and Capacity-Building Initiativeentation, and Governance

Client
DC Chamber of Commerce/City of Washington, DC.
Industry
Nonprofit sector/City government
Headquarters
Washington, DC, United States.
Employee Count
100 +

At Factum Global, we are committed to equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to expand successfully into international markets. Through strategic training programs and partnerships, we help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate the complexities of global trade. Our collaboration with the DC Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) of the City of Washington, DC, underscores our expertise in delivering impactful training initiatives designed to position businesses for international success.

Client Background

The DC Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with DMPED, sought to create a structured program to support local SMEs in their global expansion efforts. Recognizing the need for expert guidance, the Chamber engaged Factum Global to develop and deliver a comprehensive training initiative focused on international trade readiness. This program aimed to prepare businesses for participation in trade missions sponsored by the City of Washington, DC, providing them with essential knowledge, tools, and strategies to succeed in global markets.

Challenges

Many SMEs in Washington, DC, recognize the potential of global markets but face significant barriers to international expansion. These challenges include:

  • Lack of understanding of global market entry strategies.
  • Limited knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance issues.
  • Difficulty in accessing international networks and business development resources.
  • Uncertainty about financial and operational risks associated with international trade.

Solution

To address these challenges, Factum Global designed and facilitated the “Global Ready: Fundamentals of Internationalization” training program. This initiative provided a structured, interactive learning experience for participating SMEs, covering key aspects of international expansion, including: 

Comprehensive Training Curriculum

  • Assessing International Readiness: Using Factum Global’s proprietary International Maturity Model™, we helped businesses understand how to evaluate preparedness for global markets and identified key areas for improvement.
  • Market Entry Strategies: Delivered actionable insights on selecting the right markets, distribution channels, and partnership opportunities.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Considerations: Educated participants on essential trade regulations, tax implications, and legal requirements when entering foreign markets.
  • Cultural Intelligence and Global Mindset: Conducted workshops to equip SMEs with cross-cultural communication skills necessary for international business success.
  • Accessing Global Networks: Provided direct connections to international trade organizations, embassies, and funding sources to support business expansion efforts.

Interactive Learning and Real-World Application

  • Expert-Led Workshops: Facilitated by Factum Global’s international business specialists, each session provided hands-on training, case studies, and interactive discussions.
  • One-on-One Business Coaching: Participating SMEs received tailored guidance to refine their global expansion strategies.
  • Trade Mission Preparation: Equipped businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to make the most of DC-sponsored trade missions, ensuring they were prepared to establish meaningful connections in target markets.

Outcomes

As a result of this program, participating SMEs have:

1. Gained a clear roadmap for expanding into international markets.

2. Strengthened their knowledge of international trade regulations and compliance.

3. Developed actionable strategies for entering new markets with confidence.

Factum Global’s partnership with the DC Chamber of Commerce and DMPED has played a pivotal role in fostering global business growth for some of Washington, DC’s SMEs. By leveraging public-private partnerships and targeted training, we have empowered local businesses with the knowledge and resources to thrive in international markets.

A Model for Future Success

The “Global Ready: Fundamentals of Internationalization” program serves as a model that can be replicated in other cities and regions. Economic development organizations, government agencies, and chambers of commerce can implement similar initiatives to equip local businesses with the skills needed to compete on a global scale.

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