Applications can now be submitted for the SME Export Finance Programme
In cooperation with banks, Finnvera provides Finnish SMEs with a new kind of opportunity to learn about export financing arrangements. The SME Export Finance Programme is intended for SMEs that engage actively in direct exports. The programme has a practical approach and concentrates on each company’s own export transactions.
The companies for the programme will be selected on the basis of applications. In the first phase, about 15 companies can take part in the programme. The programme is suited to SMEs whose business is profitable and rests on a sound foundation. These companies will already have some experience of exports and want to grow by increasing direct exports. Moreover, they believe that competitiveness on the export market can be improved through customer financing solutions.
On the international export market, financing is one of the factors used by manufacturers to compete for orders. If two equal companies are competing for the same transaction, financing may decide the winning supplier.
“Cooperating with banks, Finnvera works actively to provide export financing solutions for SMEs. The new programme is one way for SMEs to obtain information on financing options for export transactions and, at the same time, to find suitable financing solutions for themselves,” says Senior Vice President Annamarja Paloheimo, responsible for SME financing at Finnvera.
The programme seeks to improve the skills of SMEs to acquire financing for export transactions, thereby increasing exports. Cooperation between the company, the bank and Finnvera on real export transactions is the central feature of the programme. Private banks always have the main role in providing financing for export transactions, while Finnvera acts as a guarantor in the arrangements.
Other programme partners are Fintra and the International Chamber of Commerce ICC.
The application period for the SME Export Finance Programme is open from 17 January to 24 February 2012. In the first phase of the programme, the goal is to enrol medium-sized enterprises that manufacture investment goods, such as machinery, equipment and production lines. More information about the programme and the application form in finnish is available on Finnvera’s website at www.finnvera.fi (Vienti > Vientikaupan rahoitus -ohjelma).
Additional information:
Annamarja Paloheimo, Senior Vice President, tel. +358 20 460 7267
Erno Ihto, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 20 460 7295
