An important export bill strongly supported by the Small Business Exporters Association--the international trade arm of NSBA--is advancing this week to a markup in the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The bill would increase funding and strengthen the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) support for exports. A separate bill to appoint an Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Small Business has now been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced the two bills on Dec. 9. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Chair of the Committee, is a cosponsor.

The Small Business Export Enhancement and International Trade Act of 2009 (S. 2862) would support small business exporters by:

• Expanding SBA international trade finance programs through ssgnificant increases in International Trade and Export Working Capital Loans, and establishment of an Export Express program to help small businesses develop or expand their export business
• Increasing promotion of exports within SBA through the establishment an SBA Associate Administrator for International Trade to carry out the Agency’s international trade programs and formulate its trade and export policy
• Providing additional SBA export finance specialists at U.S. Export Assistance Centers who have developed a phenomenal track record of boosting small-business exports

The Small Business Trade Representation Act of 2009 (S. 2861) would establish an Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Small Business to ensure that small businesses are represented in trade negotiations and in U.S. trade policy.

These bills address many of the SBEA’s priority issues and will greatly enhance the ability of small businesses to increase exports and American jobs.