Federal financing for mid-sized businesses?

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides loans to stimulate exports for businesses with up to 500 employees. Now the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), a national trade group, is urging Congress to offer $5–15 million loans to firms with up to 1,250 employees, a move that would include a large number of textile companies. NCTO president Cass Johnson also urged the U.S. House Small Business Committee to work with the Import-Export Bank to ensure flexible financing options to help all businesses export to international markets. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has established a working group to develop federal policies that address the needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers.