|                                                                                                                                                             |  | OPIC STREAMLINES FORMS FOR SMALL BUSINESS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
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|**BISNISHome PageSearchBISNISEmbassyReportsCountryReportsIndustryReportsPublicationsSourcesof FinanceLeadsand EventsExchangeRatesState ExportsOtherSources** |  | June 1997OPIC, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, has introduced new applications for its
political risk insurance and financial services specifically designed to meet the needs of U.S. small
businesses.  The new applications are shorter and more user-friendly than the full-length versions,
and reduce the number of pages from double-digits to two pages for project financing and four
pages for political risk insurance. Using these applications puts small businesses on a special, fast
track for service at OPIC."Small businesses are the leading job-creators in America," said OPIC Acting President and CEO
Mildred O. Callear " and OPIC programs are helping them expand their reach as they begin to
look into new markets to stay competitive.  The streamlined approach allows small businesses to
come into OPIC's doors at an earlier stage," Callear said. "Once the application is filed, OPIC can
then dedicate the necessary resources to walk these companies through the process.""OPIC's new forms are just what the doctor ordered," said Marty Duggan, President and CEO of
the Small Business Exporters Association. "With these special applications, OPIC is encouraging
U.S. small businesses to think globally so that more Americans can take advantage of the exciting
growth opportunities opening up around the world."In fiscal year 1996, OPIC had a record year working with small businesses. OPIC committed
more than $2.5 billion of political risk insurance and financing to American small business projects
in the former Soviet Union, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.  OPIC research indicates that more
than half of all identified suppliers to OPIC-backed projects around the world are U.S. small
businesses.To obtain copies of the new applications, call OPIC at (202) 336-8663.This report is provided courtesy of the Business Information Service for the Newly
Independent States (BISNIS)