About this programme
The Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) is a U.S. Small Business Administration loan track, delivered through the 7(a) programme, built for exporters who need working capital to support sales they haven't finalized yet. It lets a business apply for financing in advance of closing an export sale or contract, which gives it more room to negotiate payment terms with a foreign buyer instead of having to demand cash up front.
EWCP loans are revolving lines of credit of up to $5 million, carrying an SBA guarantee of up to 90%. The guarantee is what makes participating lenders willing to extend working-capital financing against export orders and foreign receivables that a conventional line of credit might not otherwise cover.
SBA-qualified lenders with delegated authority can process, close, service and liquidate an EWCP loan without SBA reviewing it first, which is meant to speed up turnaround versus a standard SBA credit decision. Borrowers and lenders can also get help from their regional U.S. Export Assistance Center, and SBA's Office of Manufacturing and Trade runs a dedicated hotline for exporters working through the programme.
How it works
EWCP is structured as a revolving line of credit rather than a term loan, with terms of 36 months or less.
The maximum loan amount is $5 million, with SBA guaranteeing up to 90% of that amount to the lender.
The interest rate is negotiated directly between the lender and the borrower — SBA does not set a maximum interest rate on EWCP loans.
Collateral is generally the export-related inventory produced for the financed sales and the foreign accounts receivable those sales generate; SBA treats this as adequate coverage in most cases.
A business can draw on the facility to fund a specific export order or contract, or use it as standing working capital to support an ongoing export sales cycle.
Who can apply
EWCP is for small businesses that can already generate export sales and need additional working capital to support them — it finances the working-capital gap around an export transaction, not the business's broader operations.
As a 7(a) loan product, borrowers work through an SBA-participating lender rather than applying to SBA directly; many lenders active in this programme have delegated authority to underwrite EWCP loans on SBA's behalf.
How to apply
- Contact an SBA-approved lender that offers EWCP financing — SBA's lender directory can be filtered specifically for EWCP lenders.
- Reach out to your regional U.S. Export Assistance Center for help identifying a lender and preparing the application; the Center works alongside lenders on structuring these loans.
- For general programme questions before approaching a lender, contact SBA's Office of Manufacturing and Trade hotline or international@sba.gov.
Frequently asked
How much can an EWCP loan cover?
EWCP loans go up to $5 million, structured as a revolving line of credit with SBA guaranteeing up to 90% of the amount to the lender.
Can I apply before I have a finalized export contract?
Yes. EWCP is designed to let a business apply for financing in advance of finalizing an export sale or contract, giving it more flexibility in negotiating payment terms with the foreign buyer.
What interest rate applies to an EWCP loan?
The lender and borrower negotiate the rate directly — SBA does not impose a maximum interest rate on EWCP loans, unlike some other SBA loan programmes.
What collateral is required?
In general, the export-related inventory produced for the financed sales and the foreign accounts receivable those sales generate are considered adequate collateral coverage.
Do I apply to SBA directly?
No. EWCP is delivered through SBA-participating lenders. Many lenders active in the programme have delegated authority to process, close, service and liquidate the loan without SBA reviewing it first.
Who can help me find a lender or prepare an application?
Your regional U.S. Export Assistance Center works with lenders on structuring EWCP financing. SBA's Office of Manufacturing and Trade also runs a hotline for exporter questions.
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.