International Market Entry for Small and Mid-Sized Companies; Comparison and Analysis of Entry

Abstract

This study focuses on how small and midsized companies enter into international markets. Specifically, the decision making process behind the expansion is examined including how and why a company decided to go international, steps taken to approve the expansion, expansion method, results of expansion, and obstacles faced during expansion. The study interviewed six executives of six different small and midsized companies. The results showed that there is no universal process for international expansion, company cultures play a large role in the decision behind expanding, and that companies must look to organic growth in order to capitalize on existing international presence.