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Press Release

Friday, September 11, 2009

OPIC Selects Vertical Optimization, LLC as Loan Originator in Enterprise Development Network

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has selected Vertical Optimization, LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based business development firm dedicated to helping micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s) in their quest for growth and profitability, to serve as a loan originator for a new alliance with the private sector designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expanding into emerging markets overseas. 

The alliance, the Enterprise Development Network (EDN), will greatly expand the ability of OPIC to provide financing to SMEs doing business in developing countries. Through the support of financial institutions, business consultants, associations, law firms and regional investment promotion agencies, EDN is designed to enhance SME access to OPIC products and services. By empowering such private sector service providers, the network will result in more efficient, cost-effective delivery of services to American businesses.

Vertical Optimization, LLC is a product and trade development firm. It is the managing partner in Export Path[TM], a hands-on, multinational trade development program that provides practical assistance to small African entrepreneurs seeking access to the U.S. market and vice versa. The Export Path[TM] partnership provides product development support, export financing and market access to businesses seeking to enter the U.S. market. Export Path[TM] also assists US businesses seeking access to the African market, from basic opportunity screening to enterprise development, market research and operations management in-country.

Vertical Optimization, LLC works with national investment agencies, embassies in Washington, D.C., commercial banks, export-import banks, export development agencies and trade associations in several countries to achieve this objective. Export Path[TM] is rapidly expanding and is currently operational in the U.S., Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia. For more information on Export Path[TM], send an e-mail to support@export-path.com
 


OPIC was established as an agency of the U.S. government in 1971. It helps U.S. businesses invest overseas, fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment, and supports U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers.

 

OPIC’s political risk insurance and financing help U.S. businesses of all sizes invest in more than 150 emerging markets and developing nations worldwide. Over the agency's 39-year history, OPIC has supported $194 billion worth of investments that have helped developing countries to generate over 842,000 host-country jobs. OPIC projects have also generated $74 billion in U.S. exports and supported more than 274,000 American jobs.