About this programme
The Working Capital Loan Guarantee is a credit-guarantee program run by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), the official export credit agency of the US government. It does not lend money directly. Instead EXIM guarantees 90% of a working-capital loan made by a participating commercial lender, which lowers the lender's repayment risk and lets the lender extend more credit against the same collateral than it normally would.
The guarantee exists to solve a specific cash-flow problem: a US exporter wins an international sales contract but needs cash up front for materials, labor, or standby letters of credit before payment arrives from the foreign buyer. Conventional lenders are often reluctant to lend heavily against export receivables and foreign inventory because those assets are harder to seize and liquidate than domestic ones. EXIM's guarantee backstops that risk so the lender can say yes.
EXIM works alongside the lender rather than replacing it — the borrower still applies to and is underwritten by a bank or non-bank lender, and EXIM's guarantee sits behind that loan. The program covers both revolving lines of credit and transaction-specific loan facilities, and the official page states there is no minimum or maximum transaction amount.
How it works
EXIM guarantees 90% of the principal and interest on an eligible working-capital loan extended by a participating lender. The remaining risk stays with the lender.
The loan can be structured as a revolving line of credit (for ongoing export activity) or a transaction-specific loan tied to a single export order or contract.
Because the loan is guaranteed, lenders can offer higher advance rates and count collateral types (such as export-related inventory and foreign receivables) that would normally be excluded or discounted, so the borrower can draw more credit against the same assets.
Funds can be used to purchase materials, equipment, supplies and labor needed to fill an export order; to post standby letters of credit as bid bonds, performance bonds, or advance-payment guarantees; or to purchase finished goods for export.
Some lenders in the program hold delegated authority from EXIM, meaning they can approve and issue EXIM-guaranteed working-capital loans directly without EXIM reviewing each transaction, which shortens the process.
Who can apply
The program is aimed at US exporters — including small businesses — who need financing to support export sales and hold contracts or export orders that justify the credit line.
The official page names small business exporters as an intended user of the program, alongside other business types, but does not spell out numeric eligibility thresholds (revenue, employee count, or US-content percentage) on the pages available for this record; those specifics should be confirmed directly with EXIM or a delegated-authority lender before assuming a business qualifies.
Because EXIM guarantees a bank's loan rather than lending directly, ultimate approval also depends on the participating lender's own underwriting of the borrower.
How to apply
- Identify a participating lender using EXIM's Working Capital Lender Locator (delegated-authority lenders directory), which lists lenders by geographic coverage.
- Discuss the export order or working-capital need with the lender, who structures and underwrites the loan with the EXIM guarantee attached.
- Alternatively, request a consultation directly with EXIM (via EXIM's consultation-request page or by phone) before approaching a lender.
- Complete the relevant EXIM/SBA application form as directed by EXIM or the lender — the Export Working Capital Loan Guarantee application is EXIM/SBA form EIB 84-01.
- Review EXIM's 'Before Applying' and 'Get Help Applying' guidance, which point applicants to a local EXIM field office or an EXIM-affiliated broker/lender for help completing the application.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Export Working Capital Loan Guarantee application (EXIM/SBA Form EIB 84-01)
Frequently asked
Does EXIM lend the working capital directly?
No. EXIM guarantees 90% of a loan made by a participating commercial lender — the lender underwrites and issues the loan, and EXIM's guarantee reduces the lender's risk.
Is there a minimum or maximum loan amount?
EXIM's official program page states there is no minimum or maximum transaction amount for the Working Capital Loan Guarantee.
What can the guaranteed working capital be used for?
It can fund materials, equipment, supplies and labor for filling an export order; back standby letters of credit posted as bid bonds, performance bonds, or advance-payment guarantees; or fund the purchase of finished goods for export.
How do I find a lender that offers this guarantee?
EXIM publishes a Working Capital Lender Locator listing delegated-authority lenders by region. Some lenders can approve EXIM-guaranteed loans directly under their delegated authority, which can speed up the process versus a loan EXIM must review itself.
Can small businesses use this program?
Yes — EXIM's program materials name small business exporters as one of the intended users of the Working Capital Loan Guarantee, alongside larger exporters.
What form is used to apply?
The Export Working Capital Loan Guarantee application is EXIM/SBA Form EIB 84-01, available on the EXIM Applications & Forms page.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.