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ABOUT THE EDC SITE MAP RESOURCES/LINKS CONTACT US
Export Financing
TARGET USER: Companies seeking to grow market share by exporting their goods into international markets, but that are unwilling to assume the economic and/or political risks of non-payment.
The target user may not wish to grant open credit to its foreign buyers or, if it does, may not qualify for traditional financing of its foreign accounts receivable.
             
LOAN TYPES: The most popular programs involve either: (1) purchasing a credit insurance policy from a private insurance broker or agent which would then allow a bank to lend on the insured foreign receivables; or, (2) obtaining a loan from a lender that participates in the Export-Import Bank of the United States (“Ex-Im Bank”) guarantee programs.
OTHER FEATURES AND RESTRICTIONS: -Credit insurance can be purchased for both foreign and domestic accounts receivable.
- Ex-Im Bank financing is only available when the inventory sold meets a minimum U.S. content restriction and certain products and foreign buyers will not qualify.
-These programs are designed to support high and sustained levels of international sales.
ADVANTAGES: -Allows a company to expand its market share with limited risk.
-Provides a source of funding for companies that may not be able to secure traditional financing of its foreign receivables.
DISADVANTAGES: -Borrowing costs may be higher than traditional financing because of fees charged by the credit insurer or Ex-Im Bank.
-Requires detailed financial information and reporting.
HOW TO APPLY: Contact your insurance agent about the availability of foreign credit insurance, or contact a lender that has experience financing insured receivables or that participates in the Ex-Im Bank programs.  Also visit the website for FCIA Management Company at www.fcia.com for further information on credit insurance; or , visit www.exim.gov for additional information about Ex-Im Bank programs.
Source: Economic Development Council
Alternative Finance Committee, 2003
Florida Export Finance Corporation (FEFC)
WHO IS FEFC? 1) A not-for-profit corporation established in 1993 to help with financing needs for export transactions
  2) FEFC has $6.5 million in capitalization provided by the State of Florida, plus they pay the expense of operation
  3) FEFC provides bank guarantees of up to 90% of a bank loan.  Does not provide direct loans
  4) FEFC can use a 5-to-1 leverage ratio of capital when making loan guarantees
  5) FEFC is not a state agency, but is an entity supported by the state
TARGET USER: 1) Small and medium-sized companies in Florida with fewer than 250 employees and a net worth below $6 million
  2) Transactions under $500,000  
  3) Repayment terms less than one year  
  4) Maximum funding over five years not to exceed $500,000 to any one borrower
  5) Borrowers must be creditworthy; however, unable to qualify for conventional financing without a guarantee from FEFC
               
HOW TO APPLY: 1) Borrowers should apply to obtain financing with their established bank
  2) If the loan amount and the borrower meet the requirements outlined above, the bank officer should contact Steve Fancher, President of FEFC at (786) 845-0400 to discuss the transaction.  The fax number is (786) 845-0404
  3) The borrower pays a $250 application fee and approximately 1.5% transaction fee and 1% facility fee
   
ADVANTAGES: 1) Borrowers can obtain funding for export transactions that otherwise would not be available
  2) Funding by commercial banks, in most cases would qualify under CRA guidelines
               
DISADVANTAGES: 1) Borrower must meet all qualifications  
  2) FEFC has limited capitalization.  Demand could devour capital rather quickly
  3) It costs more to have a guarantee than not to. It is not a guarantee of the State of Florida
               
Source: Florida Export Finance Corporation, 2003
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL * MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. BOX 321 * 222 10th Street West * Bradenton, FL 34206-0321 * Phone: +1 (1-941) 748-3411 * E-mail: Info@manateeEDC.com