Startup USA Guide
Part B · Startup-relevant scheme

US International Development Finance Corporation Financing (DFC)

US International Development Finance Corporation

Mixed Growth / ScalingMarket Access & IP Energy & Clean Tech

DFC, formed in 2019 from OPIC and USAID's Development Credit Authority, provides debt and equity financing to private-sector projects in developing countries, with a mandate that includes supporting small and women-led businesses.

Type of support
Mixed
Best suited for
Growth / Market Access
Headline amount
Varies by project
How much
Varies by project (debt, guarantee, or equity)

Objectives

Mobilize private capital toward development challenges abroad (energy, health, infrastructure, technology) while advancing US foreign-policy and commercial interests.

Who can apply?

  • US-connected businesses (majority US ownership, or significant US benefit) with a project or operations in an eligible developing country.
  • Project must meet DFC's development-impact and additionality criteria.

What do you get?

  • Debt financing, loan guarantees, and equity investment for qualifying projects.
  • Political-risk insurance for US investors abroad.
  • Technical assistance alongside financing in some programs.

How to apply

Submit a project proposal through DFC's online application portal at dfc.gov.

Go to official portal