Table of Contents



Federal



Economic Development Administration (EDA) Loan Guarantee



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:

The U.S. Economic Development Administration can guarantee business loans made through private financial institutions in order to induce investment and create jobs.

LOAN AMOUNTS:

The maximum guarantee may not exceed 80% of the total project cost. The maximum dollar amount of the guarantee will normally not exceed $10,000,000 nor be less than $750,000. The program may be subject to budget cuts, therefore funding is uncertain.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

The bank is the applicant on behalf of a business. EDA loan guarantees are typically made on behalf of manufacturing businesses, but some commercial enterprises may qualify as well.

OTHER FUNDING REQUIRED:

For new business start-ups, a minimum 25% equity contribution is required. For existing businesses, a minimum 15% equity contribution is required.

OTHER SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS:

Business applicants must demonstrate they will create or retain a minimum of one job per $20,000 in EDA loan guarantee assistance.

ALLOWABLE USE OF PROCEEDS:

Land and building acquisition, land improvements, building construction and renovation, purchase of machinery and equipment, and working capital.

TERM OF LOAN:

Maturity generally may not exceed 5 years for working capital, 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 15-20 years for real estate.

INTEREST RATE:

Negotiated rate based on the risk of the project and the amount of the guarantee. A typical interest rate for an 80% guaranteed loan is New York prime, plus 1½%. As the amount of the guarantee decreases, the interest may increase.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All inquiries pertaining to the EDA Loan Guarantee Program should be directed to the following:

U.S. Economic Development Administration
105 South 7th Street
Liberty Square Building
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-4603


Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works Grants



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:

The U.S. Economic Development Administration provides grants to assist communities with the funding of public works and development facilities that contribute to the creation or retention of private sector jobs particularly in areas of high unemployment and economic distress.

GRANT AMOUNTS:

Maximum grant normally does not exceed $750,000 - $1,000,000. The program may be subject to budget cuts, therefore funding is uncertain

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

State or local governments, Indian Tribes, public or private non-profit organizations.
OTHER FUNDING REQUIRED:

EDA normally requires 50 percent matching funds from the applicant.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Project must benefit long-term unemployed and members of low income families and must improve opportunities for the successful establishment or expansion of industrial or commercial plants and facilities.

ALLOWABLE USE OF
PROCEEDS:

Typical projects include industrial park improvements, street improvements, water and sewer improvements or other facilities which support the establishment or expansion of an industrial enterprise.

TERM OF LOAN:

Not Applicable.

INTEREST RATE:

Not Applicable.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

For more information contact:

U.S. Economic Development Administration
Federal Building
Duluth, Minnesota 55802
(218) 720-5326


Rural Economic and Community
Development (RECD)

Business and Industrial Loan Program



PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:


Assistance from the RECD is provided in the form of a loan guarantee whereby the agency contracts to reimburse the lender for a maximum of 80 percent of principal and interest. Lenders are responsible for making and servicing quality loans. Applicants apply for loans through private lenders.

LOAN AMOUNTS:

Business and industrial loans are limited to a maximum of $10,000,000. Borrowers who want loans of $750,000 or less are advised to apply for an SBA loan guarantee.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

Any legal entity, corporation, partnerships, including individuals, some cooperatives and private organizations, and federally recognized Indian tribal groups are eligible for these guarantees.

OTHER FUNDING REQUIRED:

A minimum of 10 percent tangible balance sheet equity is required for existing businesses. Balance sheet equity of at least 20-25 percent will be required for new businesses.

OTHER SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS:
Borrowers and lenders must comply with Federal requirements relating to equal employment opportunity, historic site preservation, flood and mud slide protection, environmental impact, the Clean Air and Water Act, the Architectural Barriers Act, and nondiscrimination.

ALLOWABLE USE OF
PROCEEDS:

Construction, conversion, acquisition and modernization; purchase and development of land, easements, machinery, equipment and supplies; working capital; certain housing projects; processing and marketing facilities; start-up capital; and pollution control.

TERM OF LOAN:

Maturity may not exceed 7 years for working capital, 15 years for machinery and equipment, and 30 years for land, buildings, and permanent fixtures.

INTEREST RATE:

The interest rate may be either fixed or variable and will be determined between the lender and the borrower and is subject to RECD review and approval.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All inquiries pertaining to the RECD Business and Industrial Loan Program should be directed to the following:

RECD
410 Farm Credit Building
375 Jackson Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 290-3842
Fax (612) 290-3834

Rural Economic and Community
Development (RECD)

Intermediary Relending Program



PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:

The purpose of this program is to finance business facilities and community development projects in rural areas.

LOAN AMOUNTS:

Maximum RECD funding is $4 million per intermediary. Maximum loan to ultimate recipients is $150,000.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

I ntermediaries (or borrowers) are private nonprofit corporations, any state or local government, Indian group, or cooperative. Intermediary Relending Program money is lent to them, which in turn is re-lent by them to ultimate recipients. The ultimate recipient must not be able to obtain credit elsewhere.

OTHER FUNDING REQUIRED:

Security can be real or personal property or pledged security of intermediary or ultimate recipient.

OTHER SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS:

Service area must be under 25,000 in population.

ALLOWABLE USE OF
PROCEEDS:

Proceeds may be used for innovative projects; for land, building construction or repair, equipment; and for working capital, interest feasibility studies, professional services.

TERM OF LOAN:

The maximum term is 30 years.

INTEREST RATE:

The interest rate to an intermediary is 1%. Rates to ultimate recipients will be negotiated, with lower rates encouraged.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All inquiries pertaining to the RECD Intermediary relending program should be directed to the following:

RECD
410 Farm Credit Building
375 Jackson Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 290-3842
fax (612) 290-3834


Rural Economic and Community
Development (RECD)

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (formerly Industrial Development Grants)



PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:

These are grants for financing and developing small and emerging private businesses with less than $1 million in revenues and which will have less than 50 new employees.

LOAN AMOUNTS:

There is no maximum dollar limit for any one project. Funds can be in the form of a grant or for a revolving loan program.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

Applicants are public bodies, nonprofit associations and Indian tribes.

OTHER FUNDING REQUIRED:

Project must be in areas:

of less than 25,000 in population
where unemployment rate exceeds the State rate. (Call the Minnesota Department of Jobs & Training: (612) 296-6545.)
Which have a median household income less than the State's total median household income by the 1990 Census.
Where the applicant has substantial experience in administering such programs.
Where a specific industry is committed to locate on the site.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All inquiries pertaining to the Rural Economic and Community Development Rural Business Enterprise Grants Program should be directed to the following:

RECD
410 Farm Credit Building
375 Jackson Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
(612) 290-3842
Fax (612) 290-3834


Small Business Administration (SBA) 7a Loan Guarantee Program



PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:

Under the guaranty program, the lender provides all of the money, and the SBA can guarantee up to $750,000 or 85% of a loan over $155,000, whichever is less, and 90% of a loan up to $155,000. A small business may have more than one BA loan, so long as the SBA's share does not exceed $750,000. The SBA charges a 2% fee on the guaranteed portion of the loan. The fee is subject to change based on size and location of the loan

LOAN AMOUNTS:

No limit on loan amount provided by the bank. However, total loan maximum is $500,000

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

Most small businesses are eligible for SBA financial assistance provided they are independently owned and operated, meet SBA's size requirements and can show they are unable to obtain private financing on reasonable terms without SBA assistance.

OTHER FUNDING REQUIRED:

An applicant must have an adequate capital investment in their own business. Typically, an applicant should inject 30% to 45% of the total funds needed to start a new business. For existing businesses, SBA uses industry standards and the track record of the applicant's business. SBA considers all credit factors before making a decision.

ALLOWABLE USE OF
PROCEEDS:

A business may borrow for anything on the balance sheet such as inventory, receivables, land, buildings, machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, autos, trucks, and accounts payable. Funds may also be used to purchase a business.

TERM OF LOAN:

Maturity may not exceed 7 years for working capital, 10 years for machinery and equipment and 25 years for real estate.

INTEREST RATE:

Maximum interest rate the bank may charge is 2 1/4% over prime for loans less than 7 years and 2 3/4% over prime for loans of 7 years or longer. Prime rate is that which is published in the Wall Street Journal.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All inquiries pertaining to the SBA 7a Loan Guarantee Program should be directed to your bank of account.

For more information contact:

U.S. Small Business Administration
610 C Butler Square Building
100 North Sixth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
(612) 370-2324

U. S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Business &
Cooperative Development Service (RBCDS)

Economic Development Loan and Grant
Program



PROGRA M
DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:

Zero interest loans and grants are provided to promote rural economic development and/or job creation projects, including, but not limited to, project feasibility studies, start-up costs, incubator projects, and other reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural economic development.

LOAN AMOUNTS:

The minimum size of a zero interest loan or grant shall be $10,000 and the maximum size of a zero interest loan or grant shall be $400,000.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

Zero interest loans and grants may be made to any electric or telephone cooperative that is not delinquent on any Federal debt or in bankruptcy proceedings, both as determined by the Administrator.

Loans or grants are made to a Rural Electric or Telephone Cooperative on behalf of a specific development project or business. The project receives the proceeds which are then paid back to the Cooperative and RBCDS.

OTHER FUNDING REQUIRED:

No specific amount required. However, this is a competitive program and one of the selection factors is the amount of supplemental funds provided to the project from other sources.

OTHER SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS:

This is a competitive program due to the limited nature of the funding. The selection and approval of applications are based on certain selection factors including job creation, economic need of the area from which the application was generated, supplemental funding, credit and other factors.

ALLOWABLE USE OF
PROCEEDS:

Any use promoting rural economic development and/or job creation including, but not limited to start-up costs, project feasibility studies, incubator projects and other reasonable expenses.

TERM OF LOAN:

Repayment terms are based on the nature of the project. Ordinarily, the term shall not exceed 10 years.

INTEREST RATE:

Zero percent interest.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All inquiries pertaining to the Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service Economic Development Loan and Grant Program should be directed to your respective Electric or Telephone Cooperative or:

United Power Association
Business Development
Box 800
Elk River, MN 55330
(612) 241-2249
1-800-442-3013


U.S. Small Business Administration
Low Documentation Loan Program (LowDoc)
For Business Loans up to $100,000



PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION/PURPOSE:

The Low Documentation Loan Program (LowDoc) focuses on the strength of character and credit of the applicants. No predetermined percentage of equity is required. A lack of adequate collateral is not a determining factor. Primary considerations are:

1. Willingness to pay debts, as indicated by credit history. Co-signers may be considered if applicants have no credit history.
2. Historical or expected earnings evidencing repayment ability.
3. The requested financing provides the business a good chance of achieving success.

Lenders which have executed or which do execute the SBA Guaranty Agreement (SBA Form 750) and the Lender's Registration may participate in the LowDoc Loan Program at the discretion of the local field office.

LOAN AMOUNTS:

Under this program, the total outstanding balance of all SBA loans to one customer is limited to $100,000.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

Business applicants must meet SBA's normal eligibility requirements as to type of business. To be eligible as to size, the business must have average annual sales for the preceding three fiscal years of $5,000,000 or less and employ 100 or less individuals, including the owner, partners, or principals.

OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Loans up to $50,000: A completed application form.

Loans $50,000 up to $100,000:

1. A completed application form.
2. Lender's internal loan report, including cash flow analysis and pro forma balance sheet.
3. Income tax returns for the last three years (Schedule C's or the front page of corporate returns).
4. Personal financial statements for all obligors and guarantors, if any.

OTHER SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS:

Lenders are expected to use their normal levels of analysis and approval authority.

Applications with an affirmative response as to criminal history will not be processed under LowDoc but may be considered under SBA's regular guaranty loan program. Lenders must assure themselves that negative responses are accurate for all partners or principals.

Applications for the purchase of an existing business must include a copy of the terms of sale, financial statements on the existing business, a statement on the benefits the business receives as a result of the change of ownership, and a statement as to the relationship between the buyer and the seller.

Comment on history of any debt(s) owed to Lender which will be refinanced by the proposed loan and place a transcript of said debt(s) in the loan file.

Comment on the financial condition of affiliates and the possible impact on the applicant business.

Obtain current credit reports for the business, the owners, and all guarantors and personal financial statements for the owners and all guarantors.

A ll owners of 20% or more of the business will be required to personally guarantee the loan.

LowDoc loans will be closed in the same manner as SBA's regular guaranty loans.

In the event of default, the participating lender will be required to liquidate the assets prior to requesting that SBA honor its guaranty.

ALLOWABLE USE OF
PROCEEDS:

Loan proceeds may be used for business purposes as allowed under the regular SBA guaranty loan program with the exception that funds to pay debt owed to the participating lender may not exceed 25% of the total loan request. The refinanced loan must be current and have a history of currency and all collateral securing it must be pledged on the new loan. Loan proceeds may not be used for distribution to owners or principals or for payment of personal debt. Lender must obtain proof that credit card and other debt refinanced is business related.

TERM OF LOAN:

Loan maturities are generally:
up to 7 years for working capital
up to 10 years for equipment
up to 25 years for real estate

INTEREST RATE:

SBA's interest rate policy for regular 7(a) loans applies to applications for LowDoc loans.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All inquiries should be directed to:

U. S. Small Business Administration
LowDoc Loans
100 N Sixth St. Suite 610-C
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1563
(612) 370-2324
fax (612) 370-2355


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Created June 1995, Last revised June 1995