Small businesses will 'go global' with technology

23 Apr '08

4 min read

Many more American small businesses will "go global" using collaboration technology to transform themselves from local businesses into global trading partners, predicted IBM executive Sean Poulley at the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week conference.

Sean Poulley, vice president of IBM online collaboration services, outlined the challenges and opportunities for growth facing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

He addressed the top small businesses in the U.S. as part of the trade forum, "Going Global: Accessing New Markets" with Ambassador Susan Schwab, U.S. Trade representative.

IBM also received the SBA's Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence, recognizing large prime contractors who have excelled in their utilization of small businesses as suppliers and subcontractors.

"Small businesses drive our economy, creating jobs and opportunities for Americans in every community across the country," said SBA Administrator Steve Preston.

"The SBA is very proud of the vital role it plays in enabling America's entrepreneurs, and we are excited to be able to recognize a few of these great success stories during the week."

To become global trading partners, IBM's Poulley said many SMBs need to overcome obstacles such as a lack of technical skills and access to information technology (IT) that can help them work with others outside their physical locations; coordinate across geographical boundaries; and locate the right people with the right skills at the right time.

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