Past SBEA Chairman Presents at Ex-Im Conference

David Ickert, past chairman of SBEA, was a presenter at this week’s launch of the U.S. Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank’s new Global Access for Small Business (Global Access) initiative. This initiative is designed to grow the number of small businesses exporting goods and services internationally.

A key player in the export arena, Ex-Im offers export finance to small businesses who likely wouldn’t have been able to export otherwise. In his comments, Ickert expounded on the benefits his company, Air Tractor, Inc. of Olney, Texas has reaped using Ex-Im financing.
“The efforts being made by Ex-Im Bank through the new Global Access program will take important steps forward in helping more small-business owners consider exporting as a viable option for their business,” said Ickert. “This comes in the midst of a precarious economic situation when we need all the options we can get.”

The Global Access program is part of President Barack Obama’s National Export Initiative. In addition to Ickert, the kick-off event hosted an impressive line-up of speakers, including: Ex- Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, SBA Administrator Karen Mills, and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

Some of the new and/or improved products and services offered through the Small Business Global Access initiative are: supply chain guarantees; reinsurance to small firms; a streamlined process for exporters of solar-energy equipment; an expedited process for insurance approvals; expanded eligibility for Ex-Im working capital; a planned reduction in turn-around time for capital approvals; and a new Web site specifically for small-business services at Ex-Im Bank.

Please click here to visit Ex-Im Bank’s Global Access initiative Web site.