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Press Release

Friday, November 20, 2009

OPIC Selects Ignite Corporate Financial Solutions as Originator in Enterprise Development Network

Ignite Tel: +27 11 646 0951/2/3; jarredm@ignitecfs.co.za; jasons@ignitecfs.co.za

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has selected Ignite Corporate Financial Solutions (Ignite), a boutique financial consultancy in Johannesburg, South Africa, specializing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sub-Saharan region, to serve as an originator for a growing alliance with the private sector designed to support SMEs expanding into emerging markets overseas. 

The alliance, the Enterprise Development Network (EDN), is expanding the ability of OPIC – the U.S. government agency charged with facilitating U.S. private sector investment in emerging markets – 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 service providers, the network is resulting in more efficient, cost-effective delivery of services to American businesses.

Ignite is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ignite has specialist divisions in accounting, tax and advisory services and has been active in many sectors of the SME arena since 2004. Visit Ignite on the web at www.ignitecfs.co.za.
 


OPIC is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution.  It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical development challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy.  Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad.  OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.

 

Established as an agency of the U.S. Government in 1971, OPIC operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to American taxpayers. OPIC services are available for new and expanding business enterprises in more than 150 countries worldwide. To date, OPIC has supported nearly $200 billion of investment in over 4,000 projects, generated $74 billion in U.S. exports and supported more than 275,000 American jobs.