(a) Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated shall establish an export division within the corporation. The division shall, within available resources, provide: (1) Working capital loans to small and medium-sized companies which are unable to obtain export financing, (2) access for such companies to existing public and private export lenders and other export funding sources, including, but not limited to, transaction financing, letters of credit, equity investments and loan guarantees, and (3) technical assistance to such companies in obtaining such financing. Such export division may give priority to assisting Connecticut businesses with regard to trade with African countries with whom the United States has diplomatic relations.

(b) On or before January 30, 1998, the corporation shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to economic development on the progress of the corporation in carrying out the purposes of this section, including a list of successful transactions.