Magagilsa Vieira is a foreign trade and logistics specialist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. A native of Brazil, she has dedicated her career to simplifying international trade processes for companies of all sizes and business. Her expertise in international logistics and trade compliance has allowed her to Small and Medium Entrepreneur (SMEs) to navigate the complexities of global commerce. By making trade knowledge accessible, she empowers businesses of all sizes to expand globally.
As we stride into an ever more technology based future, so too, Vieira believes, should international trade. Recognizing the need for modernization in global trade education, Vieira has been developing Fast and Forward Solutions, an app designed to provide structured learning and industry specific networking, a way of offering education at all levels of the foreign trade ecosystem. Through providing solutions as well as informative lessons, the app will serve to help companies scale up operations, especially when attempting to break into international waters for the first time. Today we had the chance to sit down with Vieira to discuss where the idea for the app came from as well as how she believes it can revolutionize the way we view foreign trade.
Where did the idea for the App come from?
Magagilsa Vieira: With over 15 years of experience in international trade, logistics and customs, I was aware of the daily changes within the industry. Many professionals I’ve worked with have faced challenges due to gaps in international trade knowledge, often leading to costly delays, compliance issues, and inefficiencies. These mistakes often resulted in delayed cargo releases, unnecessary documentation costs, or even missed shipments due to unmet airline or shipping deadlines.
Over the years I began to identify the most common errors and started to create checklists, spreadsheets and procedure lists. These I shared with clients and suppliers looking to anticipate and avoid potential errors. This, admittedly I first did to make my life easier in the office, before realizing the profound effects it could have. My approach helped to drastically reduce errors while simultaneously educating the partners involved in logistics and international trade. I started to receive positive feedback from clients and partners and started to realize the value of these simple “step-by-step” guides. So, what started as an internal efficiency tool soon became an industry resource and when I had the opportunity to visit some of my clients and suppliers, I was surprised to find my checklists printed and hanging on their walls!
How does the App open up opportunities for everyone?
Many companies, especially small businesses, struggle to afford expert staff in international trade, and I noticed that newly hired employees often lacked experience in the field. In an effort to address this issue, initially, I considered creating a printed manual to bridge this knowledge gap, but the high cost and limited reach made it impractical. This led me to explore a more scalable solution: a digital platform.
Drawing inspiration from Duolingo, which I frequently used to practice Mandarin, I saw the potential for an engaging and accessible learning experience in trade education. I envisioned a platform that would combine structured, interactive lessons with industry networking—similar to LinkedIn, but designed exclusively for trade professionals. This would allow users to develop essential skills while building valuable connections.
After discussing the concept with an experienced app developer, we began collaborating on Fast and Forward Solutions—a platform dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge and resources needed for success in international trade. By streamlining trade processes and fostering a space for learning and networking, our goal is to empower businesses and individuals to navigate the complexities of global trade with confidence.
How would it be rolled out in the US?
We are rolling out the app in phases, starting with Texas, California, and New York—the top three states for small business exports, as identified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These states provide the ideal launchpad due to their strong trade ecosystems and high concentration of SMEs engaged in global commerce.
Our strategy focuses on maximizing adoption by addressing the specific challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in international trade. By equipping them with the right tools and resources, we aim to strengthen their global competitiveness while driving broader economic growth.
Can you break down the rollout stages?
Our rollout strategy is structured into three phases, ensuring a strategic, scalable, and data-driven expansion. The first two phases are expected to take 6 months of work, while the third being the following year.
In Phase 1 our focus is on establishing credibility and refining the platform by building strategic partnerships while being validated in the marketplace. This includes strategic alliances, market research and refining our features through pilot testing. We will work with customs brokers, trade associations, freight forwarders and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and drive industry-wide adoption. At the same time, pilot testing and market research will help fine-tune key features, while focus groups will help us provide insights to improve the features and optimize the app performance. By gathering real-world feedback, we can strengthen the app’s foundation before scaling further.
In Phase 2, after validating the platform, we will focus on driving awareness and adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and trade professionals. Our comprehensive marketing strategy will leverage targeted digital campaigns, industry partnerships, and data-driven lead generation to accelerate growth.
To further boost adoption, we will introduce referral and incentive programs, encouraging industry-wide engagement. Our goal is to capture 10% of the U.S. market, which includes 2.6 million export-capable small businesses, as identified by the Small Business Administration (SBA). With a conservative 5% adoption rate, we anticipate 13,000 early users within the first year. Based on our tiered subscription model—Basic (Free), Pro ($29/month), Enterprise ($99/month), and Corporate Training ($499/month for up to 50 employees)—this would generate an estimated $7.64 million in annual revenue.
The third and final phase will see us looking to expand nationally while efficiently scaling up. With a solid market foothold already established, we will look to expand geographically to include other high export states such as Florida, Illinois, and Georgia. From there we will introduce features that are tailored more towards larger firms, in effect broadening our user pool. With the help of AI driven analytics we will be able to scale up while mitigating risks while optimizing supply chain strategies. The final step will see us use API integration to facilitate seamless integration with existing trade platforms.
Can you talk about how Fast Forward can help advance people’s careers in the logistics industry?
Fast and Forward is an innovative app that combines learning elements similar to Duolingo which focus on international trade, logistics, customs regimes and international negotiation. Designed for SMEs, and individuals looking to enhance their careers, Fast and Forward creates a dynamic learning environment that is both interactive and engaging. The combination of learning and networking in the app helps users not only gain knowledge but also apply it in real-world scenarios. The community aspect helps to foster collaboration while providing support among users making it easier to navigate the many challenges of international trade and logistics. As individuals grow and add skills to their arsenal, they can unlock new career possibilities contributing to their overall advancement within the industry.
-What benefits are there for Small to Medium Enterprises?
There are many benefits for SMEs, and the Fast and Forward app will be a fundamental tool to help them drive local economies through international market presence. By utilizing the Fast and Forward app SMEs can prepare their workforce while reorganizing their processes and improving their practices. All of this will help them become competitive in the international market increasing sales and revenue while potentially creating more jobs locally.
How does this help to drive the local and international economies?
SMEs represent 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. while employing approximately 60 million people while generating around 44% of the GDP, so it is crucial that they have access to support and resources that can help them grow and thrive. The Fast and Forward app will help provide them with the tools necessary to compete with large corporations addressing the significant challenges of international logistics, inventory management, sales strategy and market research. The app’s logistics education features will prove to be particularly beneficial enabling SMEs to optimize their supply chain, reducing their costs and improving their delivery times. By supporting SMEs and utilizing innovative tools like Fast Forward, we can expect a return of approximately three dollars in economic growth for every dollar invested, as reported by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This investment can lead to increased economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life for individuals and local communities, driving local and international economies forward.
How has your international experience shaped your approach to creating Fast Forward?
My international experience, managing logistics operations in Brazil, China, Europe, and the U.S., exposed me to the complexities businesses face in global trade. Leading the Petrobras Replicants Project required overseeing $1.6 billion worth of materials sourced globally, navigating customs compliance, supplier reliability, and logistical bottlenecks around the world. These challenges inspired Fast Forward’s design, incorporating global best practices into a U.S.-focused platform that helps businesses—particularly SMEs—streamline operations, navigate U.S. customs, and compete more effectively in global markets. This initiative directly contributes to strengthening U.S. supply chain resilience and supporting economic growth.
