Loan Usage
Export Financing
Use an SBA loan to expand your business overseas
Struggling to secure funding for your export business?
Small businesses often hit financial roadblocks when trying to secure export financing, making global expansion more challenging. A major hurdle is the perceived risk involved in exporting. Traditional lenders are often cautious about offering loans for exports due to concerns about currency fluctuations, payment delays, and political or economic instability in foreign markets. As a result, small businesses can face fewer financing options or be saddled with higher interest rates.
Another pressing issue is cash flow. Exporting typically involves longer payment terms, meaning businesses might wait months before getting paid by international buyers. This can strain cash reserves, especially with the upfront costs of production, shipping, and other operations. On top of this, small businesses must navigate the complex regulations of international trade, including customs paperwork and compliance with foreign laws, which can further increase the cost and complexity of securing export financing.
Use export working capital to smooth out cash flow
Export businesses facing financing challenges, should consider the SBA loan program for their financing needs. The SBA’s 7a Loan Program offers a valuable solution by providing loans of up to $5 million for businesses looking to expand internationally. With flexible use of funds, 7a loans can be used to purchase inventory, cover operating expenses, or finance working capital—helping businesses maintain cash flow while waiting for payments from international buyers. Additionally, the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, which encourages lenders to approve financing that might otherwise be considered too risky.
Similarly, the 504 Loan Program can also be an asset for export businesses looking to finance large fixed assets such as warehouses or manufacturing equipment. The 504 loan also provides up to $5 million for real estate and equipment, allowing businesses to scale their operations to meet growing international demand. With lower down payments and fixed interest rates, the 504 program offers cost-effective financing to support expansion.
First Bank of the Lake, with over $1.1 billion in SBA loans funded, specializes in helping small business owners, including exporters, access these SBA programs to fuel their growth and overcome financial barriers to international trade.
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Largest SBA Lender^
Small Businesses Helped 2020-2024
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The First Bank of the Lake rep and I bonded over faith, fishing and finance. They got my loan done in under 30 days in very, very trying circumstances.
Issac Reed
President, Reed’s Moving Services
If we ever need business capital, my first call would be to First Bank of the Lake. Why would I look elsewhere?
Barry Norfleet
Co-founder, Lifetime Green Coatings - Kentucky
I got my $345,000 SBA loan approved from First Bank of the Lake in 35 days!
Kasia Anderson
President, Woof Gang Bakery - Bradenton, FL
First Bank of the Lake was the best banking experience I have ever had.
Andy
Co-founder, President, Winter Park Ski Rental
The bank process was as easy it could be. The biggest thing is how transparent and reliable they were.
Tyler Green
Co-founder, President, Freelite AZ
My First Bank of the Lake rep was great – Easily the finest banker I have dealt with in my life.
Dan Billings
President, Tint World - San Antonio
Big thanks to Emil and the First Bank of the Lake team. I would recommend them to anyone else in a heartbeat and I would absolutely use them again.
Rock Katic
President, Perfect Moving
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We made $600MM in SBA loans in the last year alone
