The Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA administers three separate, but equally important loan programs. SBA sets the guidelines for the loans while SBA’s partners (Lenders, Community Development Organizations, and Microlending Institutions) make the loans to small businesses. SBA backs those loans with a guarantee that will eliminate some of the risk to the lending partners. The three guarantee products for small business exporters and lenders are:

• Export Working Capital Guarantee
• International Trade Loan
• ExportExpress

Trade Finance Counseling

The U.S. Commercial Service and the Small Business Adminstration work together to ensure you receive the export finance information you need. Counseling and referrals can be provided regarding many financing programs from various institutions, including:

• Small Business Administration
• Export-Import Bank
• Overseas Private Investment Corporation
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• International Montetary Fund
• World Bank

For more detail, contact your local trade specialist.