ALBANY, N.Y. - s4story -- Michael K. Bender, former U.S. Commercial Service officer and international trade expert, has released *Beyond Borders 2026: The Small Business Guide to Exporting*, a comprehensive guide designed to help American small businesses navigate the complexities of international trade and capture their share of the 95% of global consumers living outside the United States.

Despite the enormous opportunity, only 1% of American small businesses export, leaving billions in potential revenue untapped. The barriers aren't capability or product quality—they're knowledge gaps around regulations, documentation, payment risks, logistics, and market selection. *Beyond Borders 2026* eliminates these obstacles with a proven, actionable system that transforms global opportunity into measurable revenue.

What sets this guide apart is its practical, real-world approach developed from Bender's dual perspective: years of facilitating exports as a government trade official combined with hands-on private sector experience helping companies actually execute international sales. The book arrives at a critical moment as businesses navigate the evolving 2026 trade environment, including new tariff structures, shifting trade agreements, and emerging market opportunities. Rather than academic theory, readers get field-tested strategies, detailed checklists, and a 90-day action plan specifically designed for resource-constrained small businesses.

More on S For Story

• Domenic Migliore Releases New Short Story Collection, Frame Story
• JS Gallery Brings Global Voices to LA Art Show 2026 with "OFF SCRIPT" Exhibition
• ANTOANETTA Partners With Zestacor Digital Marketing to Expand Online Presence for Handcrafted Luxury Jewelry
• Workforce AI Playbook Aligns with NIST AI Risk Framework, Advancing Responsible AI
• How Independent Publishers Are Rewriting the Future of Diverse Storytelling

"I wrote this book because I've seen too many excellent American companies leave money on the table simply because international trade felt too complex or risky," Bender said. "The truth is, small businesses are ideally positioned to succeed globally—they're agile, relationship-focused, and can adapt quickly. They just need a clear roadmap. My goal is to demystify exporting and give business owners the confidence and tools to compete internationally, even if they've never shipped a product across a border."

*Beyond Borders 2026* covers the complete export journey: assessing readiness, selecting target markets using trade data rather than guesswork, navigating compliance and documentation, managing currency and payment risks, pricing for international markets, building distribution channels, protecting intellectual property, and developing sustainable operations. The book includes market selection frameworks, risk assessment matrices, contract templates, compliance checklists, and real-world case studies illustrating both successes and cautionary tales.

More on S For Story

• Digi 995 Launches as an Independent Digital Universe Powered by Community and Creator Vision
• FrostSkin Launches Kickstarter Campaign for Patent-Pending Instant-Chill Water Purification Bottle
• The New Monaco of the South (of Italy)
• New Biography Traces a Living Faith Journey from the South to the Bronx - One Woman's "Yes" That Shaped Generations
• Indies United is pleased to present our January 2026 book releases

The guide is essential reading for small business owners, export managers, entrepreneurs exploring international expansion, and anyone responsible for business development in manufacturing, specialty foods, consumer products, industrial equipment, or professional services. Whether a complete beginner or a company that has attempted exports with limited success, readers will find actionable strategies to build profitable international sales.

*Beyond Borders 2026: The Small Business Guide to Exporting* is available now on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDHL6LSF

Michael K. Bender
Email: michael@mkbauthor.com
Website: www.mkbauthor.com