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The SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is helping Illinois-based natural insect repellent manufacturer Skitopel® prepare for international growth by providing strategic export counseling, market research, and connections to trusted export resources.

Founded by SIUE alumna April Robbins in 2019, Skitopel was inspired by a simple observation made while working in her family garden in Bunker Hill, Ill. After discovering that herbs such as lavender, peppermint, thyme, and sage naturally repelled insects, Robbins developed a line of plant-based insect repellent products that are now sold through distributors and their website across the United States.

As domestic demand continued to grow, Robbins began exploring opportunities beyond the U.S. market. With no prior exporting experience, she turned to the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE for guidance.

Rather than encouraging immediate international sales, the ITC worked with Skitopel to develop a long-term export strategy. Through a collaboration with SIUE Professor Yuping Zeng's international business class, students conducted market research evaluating potential export markets based on demand, competition, regulations, and market entry requirements. The ITC then worked directly with the company to interpret the findings, identify additional market opportunities, and create a practical roadmap for international expansion.
"Professor Zeng's class did an excellent job identifying which countries would be the best fit for us and explaining why," said Robbins. "The research gave us a great starting point for our export journey."

Beyond market research, the ITC introduced Skitopel to statewide and federal export partners, including the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment and the U.S. Commercial Service. These connections are helping the company better understand export requirements, identify qualified distributors, and prepare for its first international opportunities.

"Any time I have a question, Schneidine goes above and beyond to find an answer," Robbins said. "She's helping us move our company forward and giving us the confidence to expand into international markets."

For the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center, Skitopel's journey demonstrates the value of combining university expertise, personalized counseling, and strong state and federal partnerships to help Illinois companies compete globally.

"The first step to exporting isn't selling overseas. It's assessing your capacity and understanding where your product has the greatest opportunity to succeed," said Schneidine Louis, Director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE. "Our goal is to help businesses make informed decisions, reduce risk, and build a strong foundation for long-term international growth."

Today, Skitopel continues expanding its domestic distribution while laying the groundwork for future exports, demonstrating how a small business rooted in Southern Illinois can build the foundation for international success.

About Skitopel
Skitopel® is a family-owned Illinois company specializing in natural, plant-based insect repellent products. Skitopel manufactures its products on a family farm in Bunker Hill and offers a growing line of DEET-free insect repellent sprays, candles, tabletop torches, and outdoor protection products designed to help families enjoy the outdoors naturally. The company continues to expand its domestic distribution while preparing to enter international markets. Visit their website for more information. Call or email at info@skitopel.com, (855) 523-2825.

About the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville helps Illinois small and medium-sized businesses compete successfully in the global marketplace. For more than 40 years, the ITC has provided export counseling, market intelligence, export compliance guidance, and connections to trusted state, federal, and international partners.
For more information, please contact us at International-Trade-Center@siue.edu or call (618) 650-3851 or visit International Trade Center - School of Business | SIUE

Read the Full Success Story
Learn how the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE partnered with Skitopel to develop its first export strategy, connect the company with international trade resources, and prepare for global expansion. Visit the full story.