In addition to the U. S. Commercial Service, several other federal agencies offer help to American exporters. These include special USDA programs for agricultural products, as well as export finance and insurance.
OK, to many of us, government agencies can be a confusion of alphabet soup. Even so, the ones listed below can be relevant to U.S. exporters. If you are in doubt about who to contact, we recommend that you start by contacting us.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA export loans)
The SBA works through banks in Georgia to offer special loan programs for exporters. Basically, these are bank loans where SBA guarantees up to 90% of the loan amount, which can be used to finance direct or indirect exports. Indirect exports include things like tourism and the sale of goods to domestic customers who then export them. For local SBA contacts click here. To download flyers on the various SBA loan programs click here.
Export Import Bank of the United States (ExIm)
US exporters use EXIM trade finance products to win deals and get paid: Insurance, Working Capital, and Loan Guarantees backed by the US federal government. Click here for a summary of EXIM Bank programs and funded exporters in our region. For local EXIM contacts click here.
International Trade Administration – ITA
The ITA, of which the USCS is a part, is charged with strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade through the enforcement of trade laws and agreements. It also publishes the Top Market Reports, and maintains statistical trade data.
Southern United States Trade Association (covers Georgia)
Created and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this is one of four “State Regional Trade Groups” which offer access to USDA programs and resources. These programs include a variety of export training and financial assistance opportunities for the agricultural sector. This organization also works closely with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA export credit guarantees)
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) provides trade finance solutions for exporters of U.S. agricultural products to developing markets. International sales into these markets can pose financing challenges, as U.S. banks may be reluctant to assume the associated credit risk.
Other relevant federal agencies:
- Agency for International Development
- Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) (formerly BXA)
- Bureau of the Census
- Center for Disease Control
- Customs and Border Protection
- Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service
- Department of Commerce
- Department of State
- Department of Treasury
- Export-Import Bank
- Federal Communications Commission
- Federal Contract Registration (govt. contract opportunities)
- Federal Register
- International Trade Commission (Countries of Origin)
- Government Printing Office
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Office of Foreign Assets Control, Licensing
- Office of Trade and Economic Analysis
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- US Patent and Trademark Office
- US Trade and Development Agency
- US Trade Representative