Startup USA Guide
Part A · Startup-specific scheme

SBA Export Express Loan (Export Express)

Small Business Administration

Loan / Credit Growth / ScalingMarket Access & IP Trade & Export

Export Express lets participating lenders use their own underwriting to approve a loan for export-related purposes, backed by an SBA guarantee, without needing SBA's prior sign-off on each loan.

Type of support
Loan / Credit
Best suited for
Growth / Market Access
Headline amount
Up to $500,000
How much
Up to $500,000 (90% SBA guarantee)

Objectives

Speed up small exporters' access to capital by letting trusted lenders self-approve within SBA guidelines rather than going through standard 7(a) review.

Who can apply?

  • Small business under SBA size standards.
  • In operation at least 12 months.
  • Must show the loan will help enter a new export market or expand an existing one.

What do you get?

  • Loans up to $500,000.
  • SBA guarantees up to 90% of the loan.
  • Approval from participating lenders in as little as 36 hours.
  • Funds usable for export transactions, working capital, marketing, or equipment.

How to apply

Apply through an SBA-participating Export Express lender — find one via SBA's lender match tool or your local SBA Office of International Trade.

Go to official portal