La. Admin. Code tit. 19 § VII-7505

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section VII-7505 - Application Process

A. Applicant is required to first contact a financial lending institution that is willing to entertain such a loan with the prospect of additional credit support provided by a LEDC guarantee or a participation and complete the application process. An applicant may also apply to LEDC directly for loan consideration, provided it is based upon documented eligibility as established as follows. Only after rejection by at least two lending institutions for participation on the basis of either a loan participation or a loan guarantee shall an applicant be eligible to be considered for a direct loan by LEDC. Such applications may be forwarded directly to LEDC.

B. Information submitted to LEDC with the application representing the applicant's business plan, financial position, financial projections, personal financial statements and background checks will be kept confidential to the extent allowed under the Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq. Confidential information in the files of LEDC and its accounts acquired in the course of duty will be used solely by and for LEDC.

C. Submission and Review Policy

1. A completed Louisiana Economic Development Corporation application form along with information identified by LEDC as appropriate must be submitted to LEDC. Applications will be processed, with decisions confirmed promptly.

2. Economically disadvantaged businesses applying for assistance under that provision will have to submit certification from the Division of Economically Disadvantaged Business Development Office of the Department of Economic Development along with the request for financial assistance.

3. Businesses applying for consideration under the disabled persons provision shall submit adequate information to support the disabled status.

4. LEDC staff will review the applications for completeness and submit only complete packages for analysis. Any applications not receiving approval in the initial analysis process shall be individually reviewed and exceptions to underwriting criteria noted. The LEDC staff will report to the screening committee monthly those applications approved, and those not recommended for approval with reasons.

5. Loans guaranteed or participated in by LEDC must qualify under LEDC pre-approved underwriting criteria using standardized LEDC documentation. The originating bank is responsible for all loan closing documentation. Closing will occur only after a site visit by an LEDC staff member or designated representative.

6. Direct loans by LEDC must qualify under LEDC pre-approved underwriting criteria, or be approved by the board of directors as an exception to such criteria. Such loans will be closed by LEDC or its designated agents using standardized LEDC documentation.

7. Only those applicants and/or their designated representatives asked to be present by the LEDC staff need to be present for the screening committee.

8. The board of directors will review the results of all applications processed and screened. Loans recommended for approval by the LEDC staff as exceptions to standard underwriting criteria will be presented to the screening committee of the board for approval. Loans approved under standard underwriting procedures requiring direct LEDC funding, LEDC guarantees or participation shall be approved by LEDC in accordance with established policies and procedures.

9. The applicant will be notified promptly from date accepted for processing by mail of the outcome of the application.

10. A LEDC commitment letter, standard guaranty or participation agreement will be mailed to the bank promptly after approval by the LEDC staff applying standardized evaluation processes.

La. Admin. Code tit. 19, § VII-7505

Promulgated by the Department of Economic Development, Economic Development Corporation, LR 23:556 (May 1997).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 51:2312(C).