- Project Review and Data Modelling
- Research and Planning
- Pitch Development and Underwriting
- Fundraising Process
- Negotiating Terms and Conditions
- Legal Framework
- Post-Funding Criteria and Conditions
Understanding a borrower’s niche and experience level
Institutional lenders typically have stringent requirements for borrowers, which may include:
Project Profile
The following will provide insight into risk, repayment ability and asset value.
We seek proven borrowers who can demonstrate a track record of completing projects and profitable ventures.
A email summary is helpful as fund managers don’t read through large documents.
Headlines that encapsulates the essential information for a rapid review. This should include an overview, terms, and return on investment (ROI).
*Business model and revenue generation
*Financial statements including income statements, cash flow and balance sheets
*Credit history or business credit score
*Funding requirements and intended use
*Debt-to-income ratio
*Repayment plan or timeline
*Historical accounting performance to show progressive EBITDA figures
Summary of the Raise
*Capital stack breakdown
*Business plan with projections – clear breakdown of revenue generation (deliverability)
*Organisation structure
*Background to business
*Background to the sponsor(s) (CVs)
Historical Accounts
*Last three years’ personal tax returns
*Last three years’ business accounts
*Personal financial statement for each owner
*Assets and liabilities of each sponsor
Overview
*List of assumptions on marketing, labour costs, purchase costs, legal fees etc
*Purchase price
*Valuation
*Rental income
*Vendor loan or vendor deferment details
*Client cash input (minimum 10% in most cases)
*Exit strategy
Considerations
*Track record to reassure lenders that the project can be delivered to budget and timeframe
*Cost overruns budget available
*Other businesses or assets/shares available as additional security and proof of serviceability
Once we have this initial information, we can complete our review and hopefully proceed to a more formal application.
As a lender for business and property, key questions for borrowers include:
In order to properly assess the case to see what can be offered, we will require our enclosed forms to be completed and returned.
Typically we would like to get an understanding of:
We require quality sponsors with a proven track record of delivering such projects and a substantial net worth to provide lenders with confidence regarding cost overruns.
Include elements that clearly demonstrate the value proposition, reduce perceived risk, and justify why the JV partner should commit all the funding:
* Executive Summary: Concise overview of the joint venture concept and the funding requirement.
* Problem and Opportunity: Define the market gap or challenge your JV will solve and the size of the opportunity.
* Solution and Offering: What the JV will deliver and how it uniquely addresses the opportunity.
* Market Analysis: Data on target market size, growth potential, trends, and competitive landscape.
* Your Contribution: Intellectual property, expertise, assets, or access you bring to the JV.
* JV Structure and Roles: How the joint venture will be set up, including governance and decision-making.
* Financial Projections: Revenue, profit forecasts, and return on investment for the funding partner.
* Use of Funds: Transparent breakdown of how the partner’s capital will be deployed.
* Risk Management: Key risks and your mitigation strategies.
* Exit Strategy: Potential paths for the investor to realise returns (buyout, sale, dividends).
Focus on showing why your non-cash contribution is indispensable, and why the investor’s capital is well-protected and poised for strong returns.
Key questions focus on verifying the asset, its commercial potential, and the associated risks. For a gold mine or oil reserve, a lender would typically ask:
1. Resource Verification
* Has an independent geological survey or reserve report been completed?
* What are the proven and probable reserves?
* Are the resources compliant with recognised reporting standards (JORC, NI 43-101, or SEC for oil)?
2. Legal and Permitting
* Does the site have clear title and rights for extraction?
* Are all environmental and operational permits secured?
* Are there any local or governmental restrictions or disputes?
3. Operational Feasibility
* What is the planned method of extraction and production timeline?
* What are the projected production volumes and recovery rates?
* Who will operate the site, and what is their track record?
4. Financial and Market Considerations
* What is the estimated capital expenditure and operating cost per unit?
* What is the projected cash flow under current and stress-tested commodity prices?
* Are there offtake agreements or hedging strategies in place?
5. Risk and Security
* What are the environmental, social, and political risks?
* What collateral or security can be offered against the loan?
* How will cost overruns, delays, or price fluctuations be managed?
These questions help determine technical viability, financial resilience, regulatory compliance, and credit security before funding such projects.
Information required for a Trading Business Enquiry
To assist in preparing an enquiry to proceed with a lender regarding business or corporate finance, please complete the attached application and provide the latest three years’ accounts and business plan.
1. Company Application (docx)
DownloadTo assist in preparing an enquiry to proceed with a lender regarding development finance, please complete the following for best results.
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