Enterprise Development Network (EDN)
Financing and Insuring the Expansion of Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Size Enterprises in Developing Countries
What is the Enterprise Development Network?
The Enterprise Development Network (EDN) is a strategic alliance between the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the private sector. Through a growing network of private sector organizations, EDN greatly extends OPIC’s ability to provide financing and political risk insurance (PRI) to more micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) doing business in developing countries.
How Does EDN Help Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises?
As the primary U.S. government agency focused on supporting private sector investment in the developing world, OPIC recognizes that MSMEs are increasingly looking to grow through overseas investment. But MSMEs launching overseas projects often find it difficult to obtain support and encounter unique challenges.
To help meet these needs, EDN increases access to OPIC products and services through a network of financial institutions, business consultants, associations, law firms and regional investment promotion agencies. EDN will also help MSMEs by offering a more efficient, cost-effective delivery of services through EDN service providers.
How is EDN set up?
The structure of EDN consists of three service providers. Loan and PRI Originators (Originators) serve as local service providers to MSMEs to help develop the OPIC application package, refine marketing strategies, and draft or enhance business plans. Financial institutions serve as Designated Lenders to establish OPIC-backed lending facilities that are used to make loans to MSMEs or their affiliates for projects in OPIC-eligible countries. EDN Advisers are specialists in particular business sectors and geographic areas throughout the world and assist OPIC in credit underwriting and due diligence on OPIC-funded loans. Click here to see the list of loan originators, as well as PRI Originators, Designated Lenders, and EDN Advisers.
As an MSME, whom do I contact to obtain financing for my emerging market expansion effort?
MSMEs that need assistance in completing a loan application package, including a business plan, marketing strategy and financial projections, should contact an EDN Loan Originator. The list of loan originators, as well as PRI Originators, Designated Lenders, and EDN Advisers, is expanding. Click here for the most current list, with contact information included. For questions or a request for further information, please send an e-mail message to info@opic.gov.
MSMEs that do not need assistance in completing an application package should contact OPIC directly, by e-mail at info@opic.gov.
As an MSME, whom do I contact to obtain political risk insurance for my emerging market expansion effort?
EDN PRI Originators are available to assist MSMEs in completing the OPIC Political Risk Insurance application package. If the business does not need assistance in completing the application package, it may contact OPIC directly by e-mail at info@opic.gov.
As noted above, the list of PRI Originators is expanding. The most current list with contact information is available by clicking here.
What is required for financing or political risk insurance under EDN?
Applications received through EDN are evaluated in the same manner as projects submitted directly to OPIC. Projects must be in an OPIC-eligible country and meet all investment policy requirements which are outlined on the OPIC website. EDN Designated Lenders use their own credit and underwriting criteria to evaluate projects.
As a financial institution, business consultant, association, regional investment promotion agency, or law firm, whom do I contact to become an EDN service provider?
OPIC seeks qualified participants to join EDN. If you or your firm are interested in serving as an EDN Originator, Designated Lender, or Adviser, please contact info@opic.gov.