Going Global

    In a powerful trend that is reshaping the economic landscape, a rising wave of U.S. small businesses are selling hundreds of billions of dollars in goods and services worldwide

    While big corporations dominate global business news, small companies are charging into overseas markets at a faster pace. From 1992 through 2007, exports by U.S. small business have soared nearly four-fold to $400 billion, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. A confluence of forces(from the weak dollar to more open markets)is feeding the trend.

    At Breakaway Technologies, a small Illinois firm that leases computer equipment, more than half of its increasing sales go to customers abroad, says founder and CEO Betsy Shields. Her revenue for this year's first quarter has risen 3 percent from the same time in 2007---"which is better than expected in this economy," Shields says.

    Other forces:Free trade is opening more markets for small businesses(defined as firms with less than 500 employees). Millions of immigrant entrepreneurs are hungry to grow their businesses by selling in their homelands. The Internet and stronger transportation and banking networks make it easier for small companies and consummers to hook up.

    samll business owners who are taking advantage of cultural ties, the Internet's global reach and marketing savvy to dive into international trade include: