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Frequently Asked Questions for Lenders: Eligible Use of Loan Proceeds

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What are the eligible uses of proceeds? Top of Page

Loan proceeds can be used for the purchase or improvement of land, buildings, machinery and equipment; the purchase of inventory; closing fees; permanent or revolving working capital, initial marketing expenses, soft costs and refinancing existing debt that does not exceed 75% of the WHEDA guaranteed loan, WHEDA closing fee (this portion will not be guaranteed).


Will a project involving real estate qualify if the borrower leases a portion of the space to a tenant? Top of Page

Yes, under the mixed-use category, as long as the borrower's business occupies at least 25% of the total square footage of the building, it qualifies. A mixed-use property can be a combination of commercial and residential space or totally commercial where some of the space is leased to one or more businesses.


Is there a limit to the amount of loan proceeds that can be used in the part of a mixed-use property not occupied by the borrower's business? Top of Page

Yes. The majority of the proceeds from the guaranteed loan should benefit the borrower's business. Some of the loan proceeds may, however, be used to make improvements to the remaining part of the property.


What is the difference between revolving working capital and permanent working capital? Top of Page

Revolving working capital is used to finance the day-to-day operations of a business (i.e., all expenses, except owner's salary). It is usually set up as an interest-only line of credit in which the borrower can take advances up to a certain level. The lender generally requires that the borrower rest the line (bring the balance down to zero) for a period of 30 consecutive days each year. If the borrower is unable to rest the working capital line, the lender may "term-out" the portion of the line that the borrower cannot rest and convert it to permanent working capital.

Permanent working capital is typically used to finance a permanent investment in inventory or accounts receivable. Permanent working capital loans are usually structured as term loans.

The maximum term of a guarantee on a loan made to fund permanent working capital is 7 years. The maximum term on revolving working capital is 2 years.


Can WHEDA guarantee a new loan to refinance existing debt? Top of Page

Yes, refinancing existing debt that is accompanied by a business expansion is an eligible use of proceeds. The portion of the loan to be used for refinancing cannot exceed 75% of the WHEDA guaranteed loan.


Can the borrower finance capital stock transactions? Top of Page

No, a stock transaction involves purchasing a right of ownership in the business and this is not eligible.