7(a) Loans (Export Loans) (59.054)
Program
59.054 7(a) Loans (Export Loans)
Federal Agency
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Authorization
Small Business Act of 1953, Section 7(a), as amended, Public Laws 97-35, 85-536, Section 2(b).
Program Number
59.054
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To aid and assist small-business to increase their ability to compete in international markets by enhancing their ability to export; facilitating technology transfers; enhancing their ability to complete effectively and efficiently against imports; increasing the access of small businesses to long-term capital for the purchase of new plant and equipment used in the production of goods and services involved in international trade; disseminate information concerning, State, Federal, and private programs and initiatives to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in international Markets; and ensure that the interests of small businesses are adequately represented in bilateral and multilateral negotiations.
Types of Assistance
Guaranteed/Insured Loans.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To construct, expand, or convert facilities; to purchase building equipment or materials; inventory and for export working capital.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
A small business is eligible, which is independently owned and operated and not dominant in its field. They also need to meet the SBA size standards.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Small businesses, including those owned by low-income and handicapped individuals located in high unemployment areas.
Credentials/Documentation
Statement of personal history, personal financial statement, company financial statements, summary of collateral and a resume. Loan must be of such sound value or so secured as to reasonably assure repayment.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Applications are filed by the participating lender in the field office serving the territory in which the applicant's business is located. Where the participating lender is in another territory, applications may be accepted and processed by the field office serving that territory, pro vided there is mutual agreement between the two field offices involved.
Award Procedure
Applicant is notified by authorization letter.
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
If a reconsideration is requested within 6 months after decline or withdrawal, no new application is required.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Periodic financial statements.
Audits
When necessary on a case-by-case basis.
Records
Adequate accounting system.
Program Accomplishments
In FY 2004, OIT made 2316 loans to exporters for a total of $691,838,675.
Financial Information
Account Identification
73-1154-0-1-376.
Obligations
Guarantees: FY 04 $562,200,000; FY 05 est $600,000,000; and FY 06 not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
OIT has three guaranty loan programs: The Export Working Capital Program. This programs guarantees export loans for us to 90% of the loan; The Export Express Loan Program guarantees loans for up to 85% of the loan; and the International Trade Loan program guarantees the loan for up to 75% of the loan.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
SBA Business Loans from the SBA.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
For reference to the U.S. Export Assistance Centers, see Service Centers in Appendix IV of the Catalog under the Small Business Administration.
Headquarters Office
Associate Administrator, Office of International Trade, 409 3rd., SW., Washington, DC 20416 (202) 205-6720.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
