Business Development Loan Funds
Adams County, in partnership with Central WIsconsin Economic Development, is proud to offer a variety of funding options for both existing and start-up businesses. The objective of all of our funds is to increase private investment, provide opportunities for business and employee growth, encourage job creation, and promote the retention and expansion of current businesses while also welcoming business start-ups.
CWED Start-up Fund
Applicants For the CWED Start-up Fund must have a business plan, with three-year projections, and be recommended by the local EDO (Adams County Economic Development), with their business plan reviewed by that office. Must have a defined need for the loan. Applicant must be a new business to the owner, not taking over a previously owned and operated entity, and in first 3 years of operation.
Loan Size - $5,000- $35,000
Interest rate - 0-3%, or negotiable
Loan Term - 3 years maximum following I/O period
Interest-only period - Project dependent, negotiable
CWED REVOLVING LOAN FUND (RLF).
The Central Wisconsin Economic Development Fund (CWED) Revolving Loan Program works with entrepreneurs and their lenders to structure financing packages for start-up and expanding businesses to encourage economic growth in the area. CWED loans usually have low interest rates, reduced collateral requirements, and flexible terms.
CWED does not seek to compete with banks for projects, but rather complement them and other programs in a total financial structure.
Eligibility - The RLF shall address all requests not addressed by other funds, and shall look at projects that provide a public economic benefit to a community. Determining public benefit varies within the CWED Region. There are both direct and indirect benefits that can be considered. Examples follow:
RLF Terms and Conditions - Loan terms and conditions shall be based on need and ability to repay. It is the intent of the RLF to be as flexible as possible while operating in accordance with prudent lending policies. Standards shall include the following:
Loan Size - Loan amounts are subject to fund availability and the scope and type of project being undertaken. Generally, loans shall range in size from $25,000 to $200,000 and should represent no more than 40% of a project’s total cost. Loan amount shall not exceed amount of funds provided by the senior lender. The maximum loan per project is $1,000,000.
Owner Equity - A minimum of 10% equity injection of total project cost is required. For new businesses a minimum of 10% must be cash injection.
Interest Rate & Fees - The target interest rate is between 4.5 and 7% based on risk factors associated with the borrower. The loan administrator may negotiate the interest rate as appropriate given the risk level, community impact, and competitive financing terms. An application fee of $100 should be submitted with the application and is non-refundable. In addition, the closing fee is 1.0% of the loan amount. Late fees will be 5.0% with a minimum of $25 and maximum of $250. The CWED Loan Committee will have final review and approval of the rate when the loan is presented.
Loan Terms -
- Working capital loans shall not exceed a term of 5 years
- Loans for machinery, equipment, and fixtures are typically structured over 5 to 7 years and shall not exceed a term of 10 years, or the life of the pledged assets, the lesser thereof.
- Real estate loans shall not exceed a term of 10 years, but may be amortized for a maximum of 20 years.
- Balloon payment may be utilized.
Guarantees - Unlimited personal guarantees are required from any person with a 20% or greater ownership interest in the business. Corporate guarantees are required, if applicable.
Repayment - Monthly payments required. Under special circumstances, payment of interest and/or principal may be deferred for a period of time not to exceed twelve (12) months.
CWED MICRO LOAN FUND
The Micro Loan Fund is designed to provide small loans to start-up, newly established, or growing small businesses. A key objective of the program is to assist business owners who have traditionally had difficulty accessing debt financing.
Eligibility - Each Applicant is expected to have good character, strong commitment to their business idea, signs of feasibility and economic viability, and a credit history to suggest a reasonable assurance the loan will be repaid. The applicant should have some management skills or relevant industry experience to support the project’s purpose.
Use of Funds - Funds may be used for working capital, inventory purchases, machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures, supplies, leasehold improvements, minor building renovation/rehabilitation, or natural disaster recovery.
Micro Loan Terms and Conditions - Loan terms and conditions shall be based on need and ability to repay. It is the intent of the Micro loan to be as flexible as possible while operating in accordance with prudent lending policies.
Loan Size - $5,000 to $75,000
Matching Funds - Private funds must be invested with a minimum of 20% matching requirement.
Interest Rate - The interest rate shall be established by CWED Board.
Loan Terms - Not to exceed 7 years. Working capital loan terms not to exceed 5 years.
Collateral - Collateral is required and will usually take the form of a security interest in all of the applicant’s assets. Real estate and equipment are common assets pledged. Personal Guarantees. Unlimited personal guarantees are required from any person with a 20% or greater ownership interest in the business.
Repayment - Monthly payments required. Under special circumstances, payment of interest and/or principal may be deferred with Board approval for a period of time not to exceed twelve (12) months.
ADAMS COUNTY SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND
The Adams County Special Projects fund was established to provide a flexible and fair financing option for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Loan Size - Though no maximum or minimum loan amounts are set, loan activity is subject to the availability of loan funds.
Interest Rate - Determined by the Adams County Economic Development Board of Directors.
Terms and Conditions - 5-year maximum on loans made for working capital, 7-year maximum on equipment, 10-year maximum for real estate. Terms may be shorter based on funds availability and other factors.
Collateral - Appropriate collateral is required and may include personal and unlimited guarantees.
FOR ALL LOAN APPLICATIONS:
Applications shall be completed and submitted to the Program Administrator.
Review/Approval - The Program Administrator shall compile the application and supporting documents required to underwrite the loan and verify that loan request meets program criteria and follows prescribed standards. The applicant shall be notified as to the date and time of the CWED Board meeting. The applicant is required to attend the meeting. The CWED Board will review the written loan proposal that contains information about the business, its principals, the current project and use of funds requested, financial analysis and other information relevant to the underwriting, prior to approving loans.