Does your business need international financing in the form of funding or loans to keep afloat? International finance opportunities can enable your business to get the loans it needs to grow its international sales and gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

If you are looking for int'l financing to invest in your business ventures, or you need international financing for investments and property abroad, there are a few ways to go about it. Options you should consider when int'l finance investors to back your business include:

1. Finding an international financing consultant to search for investors on your behalf;

2. Applying for international financing through an overseas lending group;

3. Seeking international financing through U.S.-based groups aimed at helping businesses like yours.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire an international financing consultant to search for investors on your behalf

International financing consultants will work to group investors or find one investor to finance your company's efforts abroad. It is important to ensure that any group you work with be fully licensed and insured. Working with an international financing consultant will also provide you with assistance in tweaking your sales pitch and can provide you with advice regarding your best chances to obtain financing.

I recommend: International Financing Consultants specializes in overseas financing for property and investments abroad. The company is a fully licensed and regulated U.S. lender. If you are looking to finance an industrial project, consider Sofitel Capital. Its website indicates the group provides financing for "industrial projects including infrastructure, power, oil refineries, natural gas and telecommunications."

Apply for international financing through an overseas lending institution

Overseas and foreign lending institutions are worth considering when you are searching for international financing to support your business endeavor. Just make sure they are reputable organizations by doing your homework before accepting their backing.

I recommend: International Mortgage Plans specializes in arranging financing for UK expatriates or foreign nationals looking to invest in UK property. Icon Angels is an international community of investors that finance international ventures.

Seek international financing through U.S.-based groups aimed at helping businesses like yours

Obtaining financing through a U.S.-based group is an excellent way to obtain financial support. Working with a U.S. company also provides U.S.-based businesses with additional protection in that they are subject to U.S. laws and regulations and you have legal recourse in a U.S. court if something goes wrong.

I recommend: The U.S. government has three distinct loan programs to help small businesses for which the primary source of income is international business. Mortgage Cap Financial specializes in providing loans of $5 million and up for projects involving business in North, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider networking online to find international financing for your business or venture. These networking sites work through bulletin-board type forums to connect entrepreneurs with investors. Be sure to indicate that your venture is international in nature, as this type of venture attracts a specialized investor.