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WHEDA Small Business Financing Manual - Neighborhood Business Revitalization Guarantee Chapter

Criteria Defined, Business (non-developer) as Borrower

    Guideline:

The minimum projected debt service coverage is 1.2x based on all the Borrower's debt as an average over two years where no single year is below 1.0x. If the ratio is less than 1.0x the guarantee request will not be approved.

    Guideline:

This criteria's minimum guideline is 110% using estimated market values and 80% using standard liquidation factors. The value of any personal assets securing a personal guarantee can be included when calculating coverage.

    Guideline:

The Borrower must meet all eligibility requirements.

    Guideline:

The guideline is for a cash or non-cash contribution of no less than 10%.

Non-cash equity may include items such as land, equipment, or complete standby debt. Cash contributions may also be in the form of gifts or Home equity loans.

    Guideline:

The debt to tangible net worth ratio must not exceed 4:1 unless the Borrower operates in an industry where the average ratio is higher than 4:1.

Sole proprietorships must exclude any personal, non-business related debt in the calculation. WHEDA focuses on business debt when it reviews this criteria. Personal debt will be evaluated as part of the management review.

    Guideline:

The established guideline is for a ratio of at least 1:1 unless the Borrower operates in an industry where the average ratio is less than 1:1.

All proforma working capital must be included when calculating this ratio. Current liabilities must only include items that are due within 12 months.

    Guideline:

The Borrower must be able to show that a market exists for the products offered and that they operate in a stable industry. The Borrower's competition must be identified and the Borrower must discuss how it will differentiate itself from competitors..

    Guideline:

The proposed or existing management team must have a minimum two years of experience in the field they are/will be operating in or they must be able to show that other work experience has prepared them to be successful in their business.

    Guideline:

When the loan guarantee request involves the purchase of an existing business, the acquired business must have been in operation for at least one full fiscal year (twelve months). The Borrower must be able to show satisfactory historical financial performance. Satisfactory performance means that the company can show steady to growing revenues and profitability, and an ability to service its existing and proposed debt. If the Borrower's performance has not been satisfactory, a detailed explanation must be included in the credit analysis.

Underwriting Guidelines, For Businesses (Non-Developers)

Criteria

Guideline

Debt Service Coverage

Minimum projected debt service coverage of 1.2x based on all the Borrower's debt as an average over two years and where no single year is below 1.0x.

Collateral Coverage

Minimum collateral coverage of 110% using estimated market values. Minimum collateral coverage of 80% using standard liquidation values.

Mission

The project meets the minimum eligibility requirements of the program.

Owner's Equity

Cash or non-cash equivalent equity of no less than 10% of total project costs.

Leverage (Debt/Worth)

Debt to tangible net worth ratio of 4:1 or less. The acceptable ratio may vary based on published RMA median industry standards.

Liquidity (Current Ratio)

Current ratio of 1:1 or better. The acceptable ratio may vary based on published RMA median industry standards.

Market

The Borrower is in an industry experiencing stable trends and/or the Borrower has a favorable competitive position and there is demonstrated market demand for the Borrower's product or service.

Management

Management has a minimum of two years experience in related business ventures.

Business Tenure

a) The business has been in operation for at least one full fiscal year.

b)The business can document satisfactory historical performance.

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