Regional Export Promotion Act of 2026

This legislation, titled the "Regional Export Promotion Act of 2026," aims to codify and expand the existing Regional Export Promotion Program of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The program mandates the Bank to partner with eligible regional entities, such as State, county, and local nonprofit economic development organizations, to enhance export opportunities for businesses across the country. A significant component of the bill is the establishment of a 5-year pilot program designed to specifically increase the Bank's footprint in regions with high concentrations of small business concerns. This pilot program prioritizes partnerships with entities like State and local economic development agencies serving HUBZones, community development financial institutions, and local chambers of commerce. Under this program, the Bank will provide specialized training, marketing collateral, short-term export credit insurance products for small businesses, and streamlined application processes for new users. The bill also requires the President of the Export-Import Bank to submit annual reports to Congress for five years, detailing the pilot program's effectiveness. These reports must include the number of new partners, the volume and dollar amount of Bank products used by small businesses due to referrals, and assessments of successful elements and areas for improvement, along with funding recommendations.