Loan Usage
Export Financing
Use an SBA loan to expand your business overseas
See If You Pre-Qualify for an SBA Export Loan in 3 Minutes
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Top 5 SBA franchise loan lender*
+$600 million franchise loans funded
+$2 billion in SBA loans since 2020
+2,000 SBA loans funded since 2020
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.
Real business owners. Real results.
Woof Gang Bakery SBA Loan Case Study
After years in HR, Kasia followed her passion for animals and, with a $345K SBA loan from First Bank of the Lake, quickly launched her Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming franchise — already nearing breakeven just months in.
Tint World SBA Loan Case Study
After losing his wife, a friend, and his life savings, Dan Billings reinvented his life with a Tint World franchise — and with guidance and an SBA loan from First Bank of the Lake, his business is thriving and he’s already eyeing a second location.
Lifetime Green Coatings SBA Loan Case Study
Father and son duo Barry and Parker Norfleet launched six Lifetime Green Coatings franchises with a $400K SBA loan from First Bank of the Lake — quickly setting up operations and nearly breaking even within just three months.
What Our Customers Say
Gave Me the Confidence I Needed
Huge thanks to Tammy and Brandi. Tammy was my first point of contact and gave me the confidence I needed since there isn't a local branch near where I live. Brandi has been answering ALL my questions since and has excellent follow up and has taken great care of me.
— Michele Houston
Genuinely Interested in Helping My Business Succeed
First Bank of the Lake was a tremendous help in securing a 504 small business loan for my company. Every staff member I interacted with was professional, friendly, and genuinely interested in helping my business succeed.
— Don Kamb
Exceptional Service
I cannot say enough positive things about my experience working with Eric as my SBA loan officer. From start to finish, he provided exceptional service and went above and beyond to ensure that every issue we encountered was resolved quickly and efficiently.
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