Export finance programs

Most U.S. banks view loans for exporters as risky. This makes it harder for you to get loans for things like day-to-day operations, advance orders with suppliers, and refinancing existing debts. That’s why the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) created programs to provide lenders with up to a 90% guaranty on export loans.

Learn more about SBA export loan programs by contacting your local SBA Export Finance Manager or SBA's Office of Manufacturing and Trade. Access a list of participating export lenders.

In addition to export financing counseling from SBA experts, we recommend you also review the International Trade Administration’s Trade Finance Guide.  

Export Express lenders can directly underwrite a loan without getting prior approval from SBA, which allows you to get capital quickly. Loans can be up to $500,000.

Export Working Capital loans allow small business owners to apply for loans in advance of finalizing an export sale or contract, giving exporters greater flexibility in negotiating export payment terms. These loans can be up to $5 million.

Find contact information for lenders who have delegated authority to process, close, service, and liquidate SBA-guaranteed EWCP loans.

The Working Capital Pilot (WCP) program allows small business owners the ability to have one single line of credit that can be used to fund both domestic and export working capital needs.  This line of credit program can be established as a transactional line of credit to fund pre-shipment costs of specific contracts.  WCP can also be structured as an asset-based line of credit with advances against inventory and receivables.  These loans can be up to $5 million.  For further information, contact your local Export Finance Manager.

International Trade loans help small businesses enter international markets and make investments to compete with other importers. These loans offer a combination of fixed asset, working capital financing, and debt refinancing with SBA’s maximum guaranty of 90% on the total loan amount. The maximum loan is $5 million in total financing.