The training and development needs of owner-managers of small businesses with export potential

Very few small firms in Quebec are considering the challenge of exporting, even in a context where competition has increased as a result of new open markets. Research has shown that the decision of an owner-manager to move into a foreign market is conditioned basically by his or her personal attitude to exporting. A number of organizations currently offer export information and training services to small firms, but these services do not seem to meet the needs of small business, since they are not widely used. The aim of this study was to identify the export training and development needs of small business owner-managers. It took the form of exploratory research using a sample of 15 small business owner-managers in Quebec. It highlights their representations of their own strengths and weaknesses as regards exporting, the areas of competence in which training was thought to offer possibilities for improvement, and the type of training and teaching that these firms preferred.