中小企業的國際化已對其自身的成長產生重大的貢獻。目前中小企業的成熟程度不足則對於其國際化與公司成長，稍具負面影響。相較於較晚採行國際化的中小企業，較早採行國際化的中小企業可達成更高的公司成長率。本研究檢視中小企業(尤其是傳統產業)於創業初期進入國際市場的步驟。透過對一間台灣汽車零組件公司長達兩個月的觀察，並與該公司負責人進行深度訪談，本研究發現，對於具有國際創業傾向人才的需求乃是一中小企業國際化的第一要件。於人才俱足後，中小企業國際化的第二步，即是對於進入國際市場的準備。供應商關係管理及社群網路乃是中小企業在國際化早期中，最需要具備的二項要素。因為供應商扮演中小企業進入國際市場的重要媒介，而社群網路則提供了中小企業進入國際市場的捷徑。本研究同時也發現，優質的行銷管理和作業管理，對於提升中小企業國際化的績效，是十分必須的。

Internationalization of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has been shown to have big contribution to SMEs’ growth. Furthermore, it is found that an SME’s age when it starts to internationalize has a negative moderating impact on the relationship between internationalization and firm growth. Early internationalizers achieve higher rates of firm growth from internationalization activities than late internationalizers. This study examines the steps for SMEs, especially low-tech SMEs, to enter foreign market in the early age of the firm. Two months observation in one Taiwanese automobile parts and accessories SME and deep interview with the CEO are held. It is found that the need of human resources with international entrepreneurial orientation is the first step of SMEs internationalization process. After having those criteria of human resources, the next step needed is international preparation. It is found that supplier relationship management and social networking are the most important elements need to be prepared in the initial stage of internationalization process. Supplier can act as piggy backing for SMEs in access resources to enter international market, whereas social networking provides the easiest way for SMEs to enter international market. It is also found that marketing management and operation management is necessary to enhance SMEs’ internationalization performance.

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