Small Business Development Center Hires International Trade Expert

Anthony Cambas see bright future for entrepreneurs serving international markets

Anthony Cambas

OXFORD, Miss. – The Mississippi Small Business Development Center has hired Anthony Cambas as an international trade specialist. Cambas, who officially began work March 18, is heading up the MSBDC’s International Trade Center through the lead office at the University of Mississippi.

The center works with various stakeholders around the state to expand the export of goods and services from Mississippi and helps business owners navigate export rules and regulations.

“In these challenging times of change, it is important to keep in mind that international trade will not be going away anytime soon and will continue to evolve,” Cambas said. “Mississippi exporters will continue to export manufactured goods and agricultural products, and we are here to serve that important segment of the economy.

“The coronavirus pandemic will speed up a trend that is already many years in the making towards having more entrepreneurs and small businesses export through e-commerce. In addition, there are many service providers throughout the state that will be able to leverage technology to export services without ever leaving Mississippi.”

Originally from Florida, with Mississippi roots – his grandmother was from Laurel – Cambas is multilingual has more than 30 years of experience in international trade in the public and private sectors. He is an expert on international trade, specifically in trade compliance.

Cambas has worked in more than 20 countries, including the regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America, as a senior adviser to U.S. and foreign donors and governments on customs and international trade matters.

He is a licensed customs broker and certified global business professional, and his resume also includes seven years with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as an import specialist team leader in Miami. He comes to the MSBDC from the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center network, where he served as director of the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development and as director of the International Trade Center – Small Business Development Center, both at Oklahoma State University.

Although Cambas’ hire coincided with the COVID-19 outbreak, he has hit the virtual ground running and sees a lot of potential in Mississippi to expand exports.

“I had the privilege of working with him in Oklahoma, and I know that his expertise will open many doors for the state of Mississippi and the business owners here,” said Sharon Nicholls, state director of the MSBDC at Ole Miss. “His wealth of knowledge and experience will help to educate and propel our state forward in international trade arena.”

Since 1981, the Mississippi Small Business Development Center has served the entrepreneurs and small business owners of the Magnolia State. By way of eight centers located throughout the state, its business counselors offer one-on-one counseling, technical support and workshops designed to assist the small business communities in Mississippi. All counseling services and workshops are 100% confidential and free of charge.