News | News Releases | 2000

Printer-friendly version

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2000
Contact Nancy Publicover (202) 565-3200

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and the Business Women's Network are entering a marketing partnership to help more U.S. women-owned businesses increase sales through exporting. In a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Ex-Im Bank Chairman James A. Harmon and Business Women's Network President Edith Fraser, the partners agree to undertake joint marketing and educational programs to help members of the Business Women's Network learn about export opportunities and how to access Ex-Im Bank financing.

Ex-Im Bank Chairman James A. Harmon said, "Women entrepreneurs start businesses at twice the rate of the overall population " they represent the fastest growing segment of the U.S. economy. This partnership opens export opportunities that will help them succeed." Harmon announced the venture in remarks before the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) Women's Lawmakers Networking Forum.

Under the new partnership, the Business Women's Network will provide information to its memberships about Ex-Im Bank programs, sponsor workshops at its conference, and assist Ex-Im Bank with marketing and promoting export finance assistance to its members. The Business Women's Network will pursue many of these activities through participation in Ex-Im Bank's Trade Association Partner Program, a coalition of more than 50 trade associations bringing Ex-Im Bank's marketing efforts to hundreds of potential customers.

Ex-Im Bank is an independent U.S. government agency that helps finance the sale of U.S. exports, primarily to developing markets throughout the world, by providing loans, guarantees, and export credit insurance. In fiscal year 1999, Ex-Im Bank helped to finance nearly $17 billion of U.S. exports worldwide.