The SBA's EWCP supports export financing to small businesses when that financing is not otherwise available on reasonable terms. The program encourages lenders to offer export working capital loans by guaranteeing repayment of up to $1.5 million or 90 percent of a loan amount, whichever is less. A loan can support a single transaction or multiple sales on a revolving basis.

The EWCP is a combined effort of the SBA and the Export-Import Bank. The two agencies have joined their working capital programs to offer a unified approach to the government's support of export financing. The EWCP uses a one page application form and streamlined documentation with turnaround usually in 10 days or less. A letter of prequalification is also available from the SBA.

Maximum 7(a) Loan Amounts

Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) Eligibility

In addition to the eligibility standards listed below, an applicant must be in business for a full year (not necessarily in exporting) at the time of application. The SBA may waive this requirement if the applicant has sufficient export trade experience. Export management companies or export-trading companies may use this program, but, title must be taken in the exported goods to be eligible.

Most small businesses are eligible for SBA loans, but some types of businesses are ineligible and a case-by-case determination must be made by the agency. Eligibility is generally determined by business type, use of proceeds, size of business, and availability of funds from other sources.  The following links provide more detailed information about each of these areas.

Type of Businesses Eligible

Use of Loan Proceeds

Size

Availability

The proceeds of an EWCP loan must be used to finance the working capital needs associated with single or multiple transactions of the exporter. Proceeds may not be used to finance professional export marketing advice or services, foreign business travel, participation in trade shows, or U.S. support staff in overseas, except to the extent it relates directly to the transaction being financed. In addition, proceeds may not be used to make payments to owners, pay delinquent withholding taxes, or pay existing debt.

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, and must be able to provide a business plan that reasonably projects export sales sufficient to cover the loan.

EWCP Maturities

The SBA guarantees the short-term working capital loans made by participating lenders. An export loan can be for single or multiple transactions; if the loan is for a single transaction, the maturity should correspond to the length of the transaction cycle with a maximum maturity of 18 months. If the loan is for a revolving line of credit, the maturity is typically 12 months, with annual re-issuances allowed twice for a maximum maturity of three years.

Four Unique Requirements of the EWCP Loan

1. An applicant must submit cash flow projections to support the need for the loan and the ability to repay.
2. After the loan is made, the loan recipient must submit continual progress reports. The SBA does not prescribe the lender’s fees.
3. The SBA does not prescribe the interest rate for the EWCP.
4. The SBA guarantees up to 90 percent of an EWCP loan amount up to $1.5 million.

Guarantee Percents

For those applicants that meet the SBA's credit and eligibility standards, the agency can guarantee up to 90 percent of loans (generally up to a maximum guaranty amount of $1.5 million).

Export Working Capital Program Loans (EWCP) Collateral

A borrower must give the SBA a first security interest equal to 100 percent of the EWCP guarantee amount. Collateral must be located in the United States.