If your business is preparing to engage in or is already engaged in international trade, or is adversely affected by competition from imports, the International Trade Loan Program is designed for you.
International Trade Loan Eligibility

The applicant must establish that the loan will significantly expand or develop an export market, is currently adversely affected by import competition, will upgrade equipment or facilities to improve competitive position, or must be able to provide a business plan that reasonably projects export sales sufficient to cover the loan.

Although most small businesses are eligible for SBA loans, some types of businesses are ineligible and a case-by-case determination must be made by the Agency. Eligibility is generally determined by four factors:

TYPE OF BUSINESSES ELIGIBLE:
SIZE
USE LOAN PROCEEDS:
AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FROM OTHER SOURCES:

USE of PROCEEDS The proceeds of a SBA International Trade loan may be used to acquire, construct, renovate, modernize, improve or expand facilities and equipment to be used in the United States to produce goods or services involved in international trade, and to develop and penetrate foreign markets.

PROCEEDS OF A SBA INTERNATIONAL TRADE LOAN CANNOT BE USED FOR DEBT PAYMENT.

The applicant must establish that the loan will significantly expand or develop an export market, is currently adversely affected by import competition, will upgrade equipment or facilities to improve competitive position, or must be able to provide a business plan that reasonably projects export sales sufficient to cover the loan.

International Trade Loan Maturities

Loans for facilities or equipment can have maturities of up to 25 years.

Interest Rates

Fees

International Trade Loan Guaranty Percent

For the International trade Loan, SBA can guaranty up to 85 percent of loans of $150,000 and less, and up to 75 percent of loans above $150,000. The maximum guaranteed amount is $1,250,000.

Loan Program Collateral

Only collateral located in the United States, its territories and possessions is acceptable as collateral under this program. The lender must take a first lien position (or first mortgage) on items financed under an international trade loan. Additional collateral may be required, including personal guarantees, subordinate liens, or items that are not financed by the loan proceeds.