Jim Polan is the Vice-President of the Small and Medium Enterprise Finance Department at the   U.S. International Development Finance Corporation -DFC (former OPIC).  The SME Finance Department administers DFC SME direct lending programs sponsored by US companies and financial institutions.
From 2005 Jim introduced, designed and implemented exceptionally innovative, developmental and award winning products including those involving MSME, renewable/clean tech energy and low income housing finance resulting in a multi-billion dollar increase in assets and significant economic and social developmental benefits. 
In 2003 Jim led the effort to create DFC’s Small Business Center (SBC).  The center was established to provide greater access to capital for small U.S. companies investing in developing countries. The SBC lending programs reduces the time and transaction costs typically associated with project financings.
 Prior to assuming the role of Vice-President  Jim has led project teams to project finance transaction closings throughout the world, covering sectors including manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Private Power, Transportation, Communications, Mining, Tourism, Agro-Industry and franchising representing tens of Billion Dollars in foreign direct investment in over 150 developing countries.
Prior to joining DFC in 1995 Mr. Polan spent the previous 16 years working for development finance banking institutions in Botswana and has been a financial and economic consultant to financial institutions throughout Southern Africa and the Far East.  While in Africa, Mr. Polan sat on over 45 Company Boards of Directors and chaired four in addition. He managed and closed over 100 project finance deals.  Mr. Polan conceived of, arranged financing for and developed the first Private Hospital in Botswana, was its Board Chairman, and went on to be its Chief Executive Officer. He was an active member of several SADC economic fora and delivered papers on several subjects concerning the private sector and development in Southern Africa.