Start in Minnesota
Learn how to start an export-import business in Minnesota and build a legally grounded foundation for growth.
WORKSHOP THEME:
“Launching Your Global Trade Business: Export-Import Training for Entrepreneurs”
April 2026 Business Workshop
Turn Your Global Business Idea into a Real Export-Import Plan
The Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS), in partnership with the Minnesota Trade Office (DEED), invites entrepreneurs and members of Minnesota’s East African diaspora to join a practical, hands-on export-import training program this April.
Program Snapshot
$125
- Five weekly sessions
- Guest speakers from trade, finance, and logistics
- Hands-on business planning
- Graduation ceremony & certificates
25
Limited seats available
5
Weekly practical sessions
Built for practical trade entrepreneurs
This program is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring import-export professionals interested in developing trade and investment opportunities with East Africa and key Middle Eastern markets.
Target Attendees
✓
Entrepreneurs and business owners interested in launching or expanding international trade.
✓
Members of Minnesota’s East African diaspora exploring export-import ventures.
✓
Aspiring professionals looking to build real trade opportunities with Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
✓
Individuals exploring market-entry opportunities in dynamic and emerging regions.
Who Should Attend
01
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
02
Members of Minnesota’s East African and Middle Eastern communities
03
Anyone interested in starting an export-import business
What you will learn
Each session is structured to move you from idea to a complete export-import business plan.
Find market opportunities
Explore trade and investment opportunities in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan, and South Sudan.
Enter Middle Eastern markets
Understand opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar.
Use AI for planning
Discover AI-powered market research and business planning tools to sharpen your decision-making.
Manage trade operations
Understand financing, logistics, trade documentation, and the operational side of international business.
Build a real business plan
Develop a complete export-import business plan you can actually use for launch, investment, or expansion.
Program format
A focused workshop series built for action, not theory only.
1
Five weekly sessions
Five individual sessions, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes each, plus 15 minutes of Q&A.
2
Guest industry speakers
Learn directly from professionals in trade, finance, and logistics.
3
Practical class activities
Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or iPad to complete exercises and business plan work.
4
Graduation & certificates
Complete the program and take part in the final graduation ceremony and certificate presentation.
Support materials
Participants receive practical materials to help them stay on track.
PPT slides
Presentation slides will be provided and presented during class sessions.
Business plan guide
A guide to business plan layout will be presented to support your final export-import plan.
Recommended readings
Additional recommended readings will help reinforce concepts beyond the classroom.
Learn from an international trade expert
Mykola Megits brings deep academic and practical experience supporting businesses in global expansion.
Practical expertise in international trade and export-import development
Academic and business insight combined in one applied training program
Direct connection to Minnesota Trade Office knowledge and trade frameworks
Registration
Reserve your seat early
Registration and fees are coordinated by the Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS). Seats are limited, and this workshop is designed to be hands-on and highly interactive.
📧 contact@mnihas.org
📞 612-799-1300
Registration Fee
$125
Per participant
Limited seats available — 25 participants
Export-Import Training Program • April 2026
Practical workshop • Limited to 25 participants
Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS)
Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities