October 17, 2008
Contact: Dr. Judy Castro FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel: 415 439-4989
Cell Phone: 925 216-6774
Email: info@LGEinternationaltrade.com

NEW SUPPORT FOR BAY AREA SMALL BUSINESSES LOOKING TO EXPAND CA

Representative of Enterprise Development Network to discuss assistance for American SMEs in emerging markets. A California participant in a new strategic alliance designed to help American small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand into emerging markets overseas will detail the financing and political risk insurance available to SMEs in these lucrative markets next week.

Lucia Leonard, President and CEO of Leonard Gonzalez Enterprise, Inc., which provides technical support to U.S. companies investing in Latin America , will outline assistance available to American SMEs through the Enterprise Development Network (EDN). Established last year, EDN is a strategic alliance with the private sector that will greatly expand the ability of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) – the US government agency charged with facilitating US private sector investment in emerging markets – to provide financing and political risk insurance 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 SMEs’ 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.

Leonard Gonzalez Enterprise, Inc. is participating in EDN as an OPIC Loan Originator.