U.S. Commercial Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes the export of U.S. products and services overseas through a network of offices in 107 U.S. cities and 80 Embassies worldwide.

The organization assists companies enter foreign markets by conducting market research, facilitating trade events, arranging introductions to qualified buyers, distributors and strategic partners, and providing guidance through every step of exporting. "Franchising Opportunities" in the United States account for one in seven jobs in the private sector, 50 percent of all retail sales and contributes over $1.53 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy across 75 industry sectors.

The U.S. Commercial Service Global Franchising Team comprising of trade specialists in U.S. and overseas offices, works closely with the International Franchise Association to help American franchisors meet their international expansion goals.

Projects vary from leading large franchising trade missions to developed markets to hosting regional franchising seminars in developing countries to encourage governments and local business communities to talk about franchising. American Franchises Enter the Irish Market: In Ireland, the U.S. Commercial Service Office has helped over 40 American franchises enter the Irish market since 2003 through a range of customized programs. 

The primary purpose of these services is to introduce franchisors to qualified prospective master licensees, area developers or unit and multi-unit franchisees. Programs are tailored to suit the needs of the American franchisors and to help Irish entrepreneurs find franchise opportunities that match their ambitions.

The services for American franchisors include

--Franchising trade missions, virtual matchmakers and local franchising seminars.
--Franchising Gold Key programs, which employ customized search strategies and arrange one-on-one meetings with qualified leads.
--Recruitment of Irish delegations for the International Franchise Expo Customized market research and screening of prospects.
--Introductions to local franchising experts including the Irish Franchise Association
Services for Irish Companies and Individuals Looking for Franchise Opportunities: 
--Counseling on how to search for franchise opportunities.
--Introductions to American franchisors of interest.
--Matchmaking and networking facilitation at U.S. and international franchising shows.
--Inclusion in a database regularly shared with incoming American companies.
--Notification of incoming groups, local franchising events and seminars.

The International Franchise Association predicts continued unbridled growth and further dramatic expansion of American franchises into foreign markets, Ireland is set to benefit from increased attention from leading American franchisors.