International Trade and NAFTA With more than 95% of the world's customers located outside the United States, exporting represents an excellent opportunity for Illinois companies to find new customers and increase their sales. Yet for companies with limited resources and little export experience, expanding internationally can present a major challenge. Managing an integrated global supply chain can put even the savviest traders to the test. To help Illinois companies become effective players in the global marketplace, NORBIC advises its clients on selling in foreign markets and assists with market research, export regulations, documentation and financing. NORBIC also assists with compliance issues and provides special NAFTA assistance to help companies take advantage of the benefits of our free trade agreement with our two largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico. NORBIC is both a designated International Trade Center & NAFTA Opportunity Center and receives support for its trade programs from the Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and the City of Chicago. Our Funders NORBIC's free and low cost business assistance programs are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Department of Defense, the City of Chicago, and matching funds from corporate and foundation partners.