The EXPORT Finance Guide provides an overview of export finance options, as well as a comprehensive list and brief profiles of key Canadian public and private sector service providers in export finance. Use the export transaction cycle provided in the navigation menu above to match your financing requirements to potential solutions at the appropriate stage.

Your requirements for Export Financing as a Canadian business may depend on some of the following questions:

Do you require financing before being able to refine or adapt your product or service for export?

Do you have a production and distribution process in place domestically, but require funds to prepare for exporting?

Have you opted to do business in a part of the world that is subject to political and economic uncertainty?

Have you shipped the goods, granting extended payment terms to your buyer and now require short-term financing until payment is received?

Financing requirement and options are available from both public and private sector providers who typically focus on:

Providing cash flow or working capital

Providing financing based on the expected completion of an export sale or shipment

Providing credit to a buyer, to make the transaction more attractive

Facilitating or expediting the payment of funds

A variety of complex risks inherent in international trade, such as non-payment, political or foreign exchange risk, and loss or damage of goods in transit.

An awareness and understanding of export risk, coupled with the appropriate risk strategy, will contribute to the success or failure of your venture, and will largely define your financing options. The solution is a well considered approach to export finance, using all the mechanisms available to make sure that any potential risk of the proposed transaction is well and effectively managed.