Advantages In Using a Grant Administrator

1
Advantages In Using a Grant Administrator

• Bob Roberson
• Bob Roberson and Associates, Inc.
• Moultrie, GA

2
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• The Negotiation Process in Economic Development
• New Industrial Prospect
• Negotiation of the MOU
• Basic Issues in the MOU Negotiation Process
• Financing Issues
• Timeliness Issues

3
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• Timeliness Issues
• Industry Always Needed to Start Yesterday
• Community has Short Lead Time to Initiate
  Project Activities
• Two Types of Financing Issues
• Community Commitments for Infrastructure of Site
  Development
• Company Needs Financing for the Project

4
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• At This Point in Project Development, Grant
  Administrator Can
• Provide a Frame of Reference Based on Prior
  Experience
• Provide Early Information on Available Loans and
  Grants
• Inject a Degree of Caution in the Negotiation
  Process
• Assist in Evaluating the Prospect
• Bring the Grant Administrator into the Project
  During the MOU Process.

5
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• What you Should Know About Grant and Loan
  Availability During the MOU Negotiation Process
• Grants Not Available to Pay All Local Costs
• State of Georgia is Your Partner But Not Your
  Banker
• Do Not Expect Multiple Loans / Grants for the
  Same Project
• Do Not Expect State Loan Programs to Provide
  Bulk of Industry
• Financing Needs
• Do Not Expect Large Grants When New Job Creation
  is Limited

6
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• Primary Community Challenges Associated With
  Grants for Economic Development
• Timing
• The Grant Approval Process
• The Grant Administrative Process
• Timing
• Meeting the Project Timetable
• Complex and Time Consuming Application Processes
• The Grant Approval Process
• Review and Scoring by Funding Agency
• Pieces of the Grant Application Puzzle

7
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• The Pieces of the Grant Puzzle
• Commitment of all Required Project Financing
• Professionally Prepared Cost Estimates
• Properly Executed Agreements
• Documentation of Control of Real Estate
• Appraisals if Needed
• Business Plan and Company Financial Statements
• Economic Impact Analysis

8
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• The Grant Administrative Process
• Grant Conditions The Strings Attached
• Conditions Can Delay Availability of Funds

9
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• Examples of Grant Conditions and Regulations That
  Can Inhibit Funding
• Environmental Review
• Historic Preservation Compliance
• Pre-Agreement Cost Approval
• Contract Documents and Provisions
• Procurement Processes
• Conflicts of Interest Regulations
• Federal Labor Standards
• Financial Management Requirements
• Periodic Reporting

10
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• Project Oversight by Grantor Agencies
• Monitoring Visits
• Progress Reports
• Other Documentation Requirements
• Advantages of Using a Grant Administrator
• Avoid Delays in Getting Funds Released
• Insure Compliance with Regulations and
  Conditions
• Streamline the Project Oversight Process

11
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• Points to Remember
• Not the Last Grant You Will Need
• Funding Agencies Can Have Long Memories of Bad
  Projects
• Long Term Advantage of a Problem-Free Grant

12
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• Synopsis of Common Economic Development Funding
  Sources
• Community Development Block Grants
• Economic Incentive Program
• Regular Round CDBG Competition
• Redevelopment Fund

13
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• OneGeorgia Authority
• Equity Fund
• EDGE Fund
• Strategic Industries Loan Fund
• Entrepreneur and Small Business Development Loan
  Guarantee Program
• Georgia Department of Transportation

14
Advantages in Using a Grant Administrator

• United States Department of Agriculture
• Rural Business Enterprise Grants
• Value Added Producer Grants
• Community Facilities Program
• Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program
• Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant
  Program (REDLG)
• Economic Development Administration Department
  of Commerce