# Who qualifies for an SBA Export Working Capital loan?

**Short answer:** Exporters that meet core 7(a) rules and have at least 12 full months of operations. A lender may accept sufficient management experience instead. Accommodation, food service and gas station businesses are excluded (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Paras. B.1 and B.2).

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Last checked: 2026-11-09

An Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) borrower must meet SBA's core 7(a) eligibility rules. You also need at least 12 full months of operations before applying (SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Para. B.1.a). Those months do not have to be spent exporting (13 CFR 120.341).

## Exceptions to the 12 months

If you have less than 12 full months, the lender may perform an analysis showing sufficient management experience to move forward (Para. B.1.a). 13 CFR 120.341 says SBA may waive the one-year requirement if you have sufficient export trade experience or other managerial experience.

## Other requirements

- You must produce timely and accurate financial statements, receivable and payable agings and inventory reports (Para. B.1.b).
- Export management and export trading companies qualify only if they take title to the goods or services. Those with any bank ownership are ineligible (Para. B.1.c).

## Who is excluded

NAICS 721 (accommodation), 457 (gas stations) and 722 (food services and drinking places) cannot use EWCP. They may use other 7(a) loans (Para. B.2).

## What counts as an export

An Export Transaction is the production and payment tied to a sale of goods or services to a foreign buyer (Appendix 3). It includes Domestic-to-Foreign, Foreign-to-Foreign and Indirect Exports. On an Indirect Export, your U.S. customer must document that the goods or services are in fact being exported.

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. B, Ch. 5, Paras. B.1 and B.2 (Para. B begins p. 175)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [13 CFR § 120.341](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.341)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 3, Export Transaction and Indirect Export (about pp. 299-300)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)