This study examines the export behavior of 423 small- and medium-sized Wisconsin manufacturing firms, using a "stages" model to analyze their export development process. The model posits that firms progress through stages of exporting, from initial interest to experimental exporting, and eventually to experienced exporting. The study found that the most significant determinant of whether a firm explores the feasibility of exporting is whether it receives an unsolicited initial export order. Other key factors include the quality and dynamism of management, and management's expectations about the benefits of exporting. The findings suggest that learning theory is applicable to the export development process, and that government programs to promote exports should focus on increasing international interests and removing perceived barriers at each stage of the process. The study also highlights that small- and medium-sized firms can successfully export, challenging the notion that exporting is limited to large firms.This study examines the export behavior of 423 small- and medium-sized Wisconsin manufacturing firms, using a "stages" model to analyze their export development process. The model posits that firms progress through stages of exporting, from initial interest to experimental exporting, and eventually to experienced exporting. The study found that the most significant determinant of whether a firm explores the feasibility of exporting is whether it receives an unsolicited initial export order. Other key factors include the quality and dynamism of management, and management's expectations about the benefits of exporting. The findings suggest that learning theory is applicable to the export development process, and that government programs to promote exports should focus on increasing international interests and removing perceived barriers at each stage of the process. The study also highlights that small- and medium-sized firms can successfully export, challenging the notion that exporting is limited to large firms.