In 1997, Fintrac was awarded a 12-month contract to implement the Small Business Export Development project, designed to assist Jamaican exporters increase exports, returns, productivity, and employment. Fintrac’s support led to an increase in exports of more than 20 percent for the majority of clients and USAID responded to the success with an 18-month contract extension. Tailored firm-level assistance to small- and medium-sized exporters continues to be delivered in processed food, craft, apparel and horticulture sectors and goals continue to be exceeded. Fintrac also designed a revolving, sustainable loan mechanism that provided short-term financing to small- and medium-sized exporters for export-related activities. Fintrac also trained local counterpart staff at the Jamaica Exporters Association to continue activities after the project’s close. Assistance provided to exporters included postharvest handling, market development, promotion, inputs and machinery procurement, market information, efficiency improvement, quality assurance, computer system establishment and Web site design services. The Jamaica Exporters Association Web site was redesigned and substantially expanded with the help of Fintrac. SBED was also recognized for using local professional consultants as often as possible. SBED was Fintrac's first multi-year prime contract with USAID.