If you're a small business owner and you've been resisting the notion of exporting your products to other countries, you probably have your reasons: It's too complicated, and only large businesses get involved in this type of activity.

If that's what you believe, then you're operating under some false assumptions--and missing out on some great opportunities.

A new government study released in May 2000 shows that the number of small- and medium-sized businesses exporting goods has doubled in five years. Moreover, the General Accounting Office (GAO) study also found that companies with less than 500 employees accounted for 97 percent of all exporters in 1997, the year for which the most recent figures are available.

More than 202,000 small and medium businesses exported products to countries around the world in 1997, nearly double the amount from 1992. As "globalization" of the world economy continues, this number is expected to continue growing rapidly. In addition, if China's markets are opened up--through that nation's possible entry into the World Trade Organization and the U.S.'s grant of permanent trade relations--many expect a flood of American goods will be heading for their borders.

"In today's international marketplace, small- and medium-sized businesses are no longer competing here in America, but around the world. I hope my colleagues (in Congress) who remain undecided on the upcoming vote on China will remember how vitally important international trade is to small businesses and the thousands they employ in their districts back home," said Trade Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Phil Crane (R-Ill.), who requested the study.

Highlights of the GAO study include:

• Exports by small- and medium-sized firms account for one-third of the total value of exported U.S. goods. In 1997, these businesses exported goods valued at $172 billion and accounted for 31 percent of total U.S. exports. In 1987, small- and medium-sized firms exported $42 billion in goods, or 26 percent of all U.S. exports that year.
  
• Small- and medium-sized businesses represented the highest shares of total U.S. exports in miscellaneous manufactured goods (66 percent), lumber and wood products (64 percent), and apparel (51 percent).
  
• By value, U.S. goods exports rose from $251 billion in 1987 to $689 billion in 1997. U.S. goods exports increased from 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1987 to 8 percent of GDP in 1997. Similarly, U.S. service exports rose from $99 billion in 1987 to $258 billion in 1997.
  
• Since 1990, small businesses have created 75 percent of all net new jobs.

Obviously, the perceived difficulties in exporting are not causing small businesses to shy away from the experience. In fact, there are many forms of assistance available to entrepreneurs looking to get started or increase their reach.

Surely a great deal of the increase in exporting is attributable to the advent of the digital age and the "smaller" world it has created. But the number of information on exporting has grown tremendously, too. Also, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers special financing programs for exporters.

So help is there if you need it to launch your export operation. And if you don't use it, (the numbers show) some other business will.

Copyright 2000, CCH Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

CCH Business Owner's Toolkit www.toolkit.cch.com offers a comprehensive portfolio of practical information, tips and software tools for small businesses.

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