The Small Business Center currently has 55 to 75 clients involved in international trade. The burgeoning international market is prime for small business. We maintain all kinds of data bases about products or services which are selling around the world. In the past, small businesses have tapped into the international market in European countries. Today, Mr. Mitchell views Southeast Asia as a potential area for local entrepreneurs.
China is still somewhat difficult for the small business owner.
The larger companies are making a push there. Nationally, small business centers began sprouting up in 1978. Mr. Mitchell has been director of the local small business center since 1982. Since then, the center has assisted 6,000 businesses, the bulk of which cater to the service industries. As women became a large portion of the workforce they lifted their sights to business ownership as well.