Our Process

An Evaluation outlines present and future opportunities to determine financial viability. Our third party approach adds credence and credibility to the client’s efforts. Based on data collected during the Evaluation, a comprehensive report is developed to provide vital information to investors and lenders.

This confidential report titled “Review for Financial Viability” is initially comprised of 100+ pages of information. From this, we create a 25-35 page condensed version of the larger document. This condensed version emphasizes the relative facts, and informs readers of the opportunities without all the superfluous details.

 

Typical procedure for public funding 

The USDA guarantee loan program is complicated and confusing, but also can be flexible with different approaches. Our assignments are to complete a Feasibility Report to be shared with lenders, buyers or investors.  This includes several visits to the projects and meetings with client, lenders, nonprofit, attorney and introduction to USDA. After an informal meeting, an Application is submitted to USDA area office, and they review reports / application, then forward to state office.  One can expect USDA to ask questions and we will answer their questions and address their concerns. New owner’s bylaws and local community support are important steps.

Required reports are typically completed within two months including.  Some clients may already have some of these reports, therefore, may not be necessary to complete a new one.

  • Feasibility Report
  • Marketing Assessment
  • Site or Design Review
  • Management Business Report

A normal timeline usually follows this sequence:

  1. USDA (State and National offices) will take two-three months to review
  2. USDA relationship is with the lender – not consultants
  3. USDA considers consultants an independent supportive opinions
  4. Assignments normally ends upon introduction of lender to USDA
  5. SCLtd stays involved (up to six months) to assist client with closing
  6. SCLtd is not directly involved in the closing process, but active from the sidelines
  7. Due to confidential nature Spear Consultants is limited in discussing other projects
  8. USDA wants to know if projects are in an eligible area
  9. Does it have local elected officials’ support
  10. Only a municipally, non-profit or Indian tribes are eligible under CF program
  11. Has the non-profit attorney prepared acceptable bylaws
  12. Who are potential Board Members of non-profit
  13. USDA attorneys determine if the non-profit (borrower) is eligible
  14. USDA needs a bank (local or regional) interested in making a guarantee loan
  15. SCLtd ask USDA for an informal meeting with consultants to introduce our project
  16. SCLtd review draft reports with the client, then prepare final to be shared with others
  17. Are there any conflicts of interest and does the project have community support
  18. USDA will ask if consultants have a vested interest or any success fees
  19. Is there a Confidentially Agreement
  20. Is there community support for this project
  21. Future USDA meetings are primary with the bank
  22. Sometimes a loan facilitator is employed as a go-between with bank and USDA
  23. The state office reviews and sends to national office for approval
  24. Under USDA – CF is Communities Facilities.  B&I is Business and Industries
  25. SBA is Small Business Administration and used primarily for golf courses

With each assignment I sign a Confidentially Agreement.   While I do use project’s name, I do not discuss financial aspects or status of our efforts with others. Clients do not want me to discuss their projects with outside parties.  When meeting with others I do not speak for my client, but I do speak on their behalf.  While responsible for my report, I cannot be responsible its use by others (lenders, government, investors).