Economic Development Finance Service

EDFS 2006 Training Overview

In 2006, EDFS offered 10 of its 12 training courses - the three core courses and seven of the nine electives. Based on interest, we offered the EDA RLFs: Keys to Improved Compliance course twice. Nearly 130 individuals from regional development organizations (RDOs); EPA, EDA, USDA, ARC, SBA and other federally funded loan funds; county economic development commissions; tribal loan funds; federal agencies and other organizations participated in the training.

Loan Fund Management Essentials (core course) - Chattanooga, TN, Oct 11 - 13
This highly rated class will provide a thorough overview of all aspects of fund management and lending, and uses in-class exercises and discussions, case studies, and sample documents that can be adapted for use in your office. The course is designed for organizations considering setting up a fund, new staff and board members, and loan fund partners. Experienced loan fund professionals will benefit from the best practices information.

Credit Analysis for Small Business Loan Funds (core course) - Chattanooga, TN, Oct 11 - 13
This hands-on class teaches you how to reduce the risks inherent in economic development lending by making lending decisions based on sound credit analysis techniques. Case studies of a variety of small businesses are used in hands-on exercises. Recommended course pre-requisite: Managing a Loan Fund (formerly Loan Fund Organization and Administration).

Structuring Deals Using Small Business Loan Funds (core course) - Philadelphia, PA, April 20 - 21
This class demonstrates how small business loan funds can play a pivotal role in leveraging public and private sector capital for businesses needing more than the loan fund can provide. Case studies teach participants how to structure deals using a range of capital options. Recommended course pre-requisite: Making Sound Lending Decisions (formerly Credit Analysis for Loan Funds).

Strategic Loan Fund Management - Reno, NV, Aug 23 - 25
Learn how to move beyond simply operating your loan fund to managing it. This class teaches you strategies for actively growing and safeguarding your fund so that it better serves the capital needs of your community.

Evaluating Business Plans - Arlington, VA, June 12 - 13
Making sound lending and investment decisions depends on thorough business plan analysis. This class is designed for loan fund staff, loan review committee members, economic development professionals and others responsible for reviewing plans from prospective borrowers and plans for proposed projects. Using actual business plans, in-class exercises, and discussions, this class covers all elements of a plan, what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to decide to move forward or not.

Analyzing Borrowers' Tax Returns - Reno, NV, August 23 - 25
Small businesses often are unable to submit accountant-prepared financial statements, leaving loan fund staff with the task of reviewing only their tax returns to determine the business's ability to repay its loan. This class will improve your tax return-based credit analysis and servicing by reviewing the types of returns for each type of business (sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.) and how to analyze them using case studies and in-class exercises. Day One will focus on business tax returns, and personal tax returns for sole proprietorships and personal guarantors will be covered on the second day. This class will especially benefit loan fund staff whose portfolios include small businesses that are more likely to submit tax returns rather than accountant-prepared financial statements. Familiarity with credit analysis is recommended.

Essential Loan Documents - Philadelphia, April 20 - 21
Understand the importance of proper loan documentation and the various documents needed for different types of loans. The course will review the steps needed to perfect your lien on different types of collateral, the importance of affirmative and negative loan covenants, what your commitment letter should and should not contain, an overview of the changes in UCC regulations, and certifications and assurances required by your funding agencies. Case studies will focus on compiling the needed documents for various types of loans, borrowers, and collateral. Recommended course pre-requisite: Managing a Loan Fund.

Working with Problem Loans - Arlington, VA, June 12 - 13
This class will teach you how to identify the red flags associated with problem loans and the steps required to assist your borrower as much as possible while protecting your loan fund. Issues related to writing off loans and bankruptcy will also be addressed. Recommended course pre-requisites: Managing a Loan Fund and Making Sound Lending Decisions.

EDA RLFs: Keys to Improved Compliance - Kansas City, May 3 and Reno, NV, August 26
With increasing program oversight, "by-the-book" administration of an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) has never been more important. Participants will learn how to navigate and comply with the full range of program requirements, covering such topics as support documentation for expenses, composition of good loan write-ups and documents, plus a review of the federal requirements that apply to RLF loans. EDA staff will participate in this class with our trainer Dana Sumner who will be available to answer your questions. This course is designed for organizations that currently administer the EDA RLF program or that are considering applying to do so.

USDA IRPs: Keys to Improved Compliance - Kansas City, May 2
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires organizations that administer its Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) to comply with an array of programmatic requirements. USDA staff and our trainer Dana Sumner will walk you through these, which include such topics as the written work plan, Intermediary contribution, civil rights compliance, and staff experience in making commercial loans. They will also be available to answer your questions. This course is designed for organizations that currently manage USDA IRPs or that are considering applying to do so.