Small Business Exporting - Part 3 of 4 - International Trade Loans Up To 5 million -

SBA's International Trade Loan Program 

SBA’s International Trade Loan Program provides small businesses with enhanced export financing options for their export transactions. The ITL is designed to help small businesses enter and expand into international markets and, when adversely affected by import competition, make the investments necessary to better compete. The ITL offers a combination of fixed asset, working capital financing and debt refinancing with the SBA’s maximum guaranty— 90 percent— on the total loan amount.

The International Trade Loan offers loans up to $5 million for fixed assets and working capital for businesses that plan to start or continue exporting.

Eligibility

International Trade Loans are available if your small business is in a position to expand existing export markets or develop new export markets. These loans are also available if your small business has been adversely affected by import competition and can demonstrate that the loan proceeds will improve your competitive position.

Use of Proceeds

The borrower may use loan proceeds to acquire, construct, renovate, modernize, improve, or expand facilities and equipment to be used in the United States to produce goods or service involved in international trade and to develop and penetrate foreign markets. Funds also may be used to refinance an existing loan.

Application Process

Contact your existing lender to determine if they are  an SBA-approved 7(a) lender.  If so, they are authorized to underwrite an International Trade Loan. SBA will work with your lender to determine borrower eligibility.

You also may contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center to find out if your business qualifies for an International Trade Loan.

Source: www.sba.gov