maintain, and expand long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products. The program has fostered a trade 25 promotion partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. agricultural producers and processors who are represented by nonprofit commodity or trade associations called cooperators. The USDA and the cooperators pool their technical and financial resources to conduct market development activities outside the United States. Trade organizations compete for funds on the basis of the following allocation criteria: past export performance, past demand expansion performance, future demand expansion goals, and contribution levels. Projects include market research, trade servicing and more. For more information, contact: Foreign Agriculture Service Marketing Operations Staff, Stop Code 1042 US. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250 202- 720-4327 Venture Capital The Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) programs are privately organized and privately managed investment firms that are licensed by the Small Business Administration. With their own capital and with funds borrowed at favorable rates through the federal government, SBICs provide venture capital to small independent businesses, both new and already established. A major incentive for the SBICs to invest in small businesses is the chance to share in the success of the small business if it grows and prospers. Small businesses qualifying for assistance from the
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