Six South Carolina Small Business Development Centers’ (SC SBDC) consultants recently became NASBITE Certified Global Business Professionals (CGBP), an intense and prodigious feat that expands their global business knowledge. NASBITE, which stands for National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators, is the only nationally-accepted, international trade credentialing program supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Education.

CGBP credentials set the benchmark for global trade knowledge. Certification shows that an individual has the understanding required to be a successful global commerce professional. With this certification SC SBDC consultants are equipped to counsel clients in global business management, global marketing, supply chain management and international trade financing. Main fields they must qualify in are fulfilling documentation, legal and regulatory compliance, intercultural awareness, technology and resources.

The new CGBPs are Forrest Norman of the Rock Hill Area SBDC, Tom Lauria of the Charleston Area SBDC, Ben Smith of the Clemson Area SBDC, Mickey Conway of the Greenwood Area SBDC, Pete Oliver of the Columbia Area SBDC and Jill Burroughs, who is the director of the Clemson Region SBDC.

“Our network is dedicated to the continuing professional education of all of our consultants, but we are particularly proud of the accomplishment of these six,” said Michele Abraham, State Director of the SC SBDC. “This certification in international trade will provide our clients with much needed insight into global markets and allow our network to provide better services to small businesses in our state.”