Nancy Knighten of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center has earned a prestigious international business credential.

Knighten completed requirements in October for the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) designation from the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE International).

She is a business consultant at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, part of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business, and received her Master of Business Administration from UALR in 2010.

CGBP is the only professional certification in international business offered through a U.S. agency, and there are 690 people nationwide who are CGBPs. NASBITE began offering the credential in 2005.

The designation recognizes an individual’s ability to conduct global business, specifically in the areas of trade finance, global business management, global marketing, and supply chain management. To receive the CGBP designation, candidates must pass an exam and have two years of college-level education or global commerce experience. CGBP holders must meet annual continuing education requirements to maintain the credential.

“With 98 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the U.S., businesses wanting to expand their market need to look at international opportunities. As a Certified Global Business Professional, Nancy Knighten has the expertise to assist Arkansas companies ready to explore foreign markets,” said Janet Roderick, state director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC).

Roderick said the center can help small businesses prepare to export. For example, ASBTDC’s extensive market research capabilities can identify new foreign and domestic markets for Arkansas-based companies’ products.

Arkansas firms interested in receiving international business consulting at no charge through the ASBTDC can call (501) 683-7700 for an appointment.

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center program is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UALR College of Business. ASBTDC assists new, existing and expanding small businesses and innovation-based ventures through a statewide network of seven offices. Learn more at www.asbtdc.org.