Eligible Facility Borrower

Introduction

The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office administers the Missouri FIRST Program, one of the nation’s most utilized low interest loan programs. In order to promote Missouri’s economic growth and development, below-market rate deposits of state funds are placed in Missouri financial institutions, allowing eligible borrowers to obtain low interest loans from that institution. Using the program allows lenders to lower the interest rates to the borrower by about 2-3 percent.

Eligibility

"Eligible facility borrower", a development facility or renewable fuel production facility borrower qualified by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) under this section to apply for a reduced rate loan under sections 30.750 to 30.767;

  1. "Borrower", any partnership, corporation, cooperative, or limited liability company organized or incorporated under the laws of this state consisting of not less than twelve producer members for the purpose of owning or operating within this state a development facility or a renewable fuel production facility in which producer members:
    • Hold a majority of the governance or voting rights of the entity and any governing committees;
    • Control the hiring and firing of management; and
    • Deliver agricultural commodities or products to the entity for processing, unless processing is required by multiple entities;
  2. “Development facility”, a facility producing either a good derived from an agricultural commodity or using a process to produce a good derived from an agricultural product;
    • "Agricultural commodity", any agricultural product that has been produced for purpose of sale or exchange, except for animals whose principal use may be construed as recreational or as a pet;
  3. “Renewable fuel production facility”, a facility producing an energy source that is derived from a renewable, domestically grown organic compound capable of powering machinery, including an engine or power plant, and any by-product derived from such energy source.

Limitations

The state treasurer may invest in linked deposits, however,

  1. Linked deposits will be no larger than $1 million, per loan request.*
  2. Linked deposits will no longer be approved for refinancing existing bank loans.*
  3. May not exceed seventy percent of the total anticipated cost of the development facility or renewable fuel production facility.
  4. May not exceed a loan term of five years, except that such loan may be extended up to two additional loan periods of five years each for a maximum total loan term of fifteen years.

*effective February 28, 2019

Approval Process

Applications are made to MASBDA, which will analyze, make recommendation and issue a certificate of approval to the Treasurer’s Office.

The lending institution shall apply all usual lending standards to determine the credit worthiness of each eligible facility borrower.

In determining whether a facility will qualify as an eligible facility borrower, the authority shall consider the following factors:

  1. The borrower’s ability to repay the loan;
  2. The general economic conditions of the area in which the agricultural property will be or is located;
  3. The prospect of success of the particular project for which the loan is sought;
  4. Financial Statement not more than six months old;
  5. Cash Flow Statement prepared by lending institution;
  6. Business Plan;
  7. Feasibility study;
  8. Marketing study;
  9. Offering circular (if applicable);
  10. By-Laws;
  11. Construction Contracts;
  12. Proof of Compliance with Missouri Securities Laws;
  13. Provide proof of any third party lending institution participating (if applicable).

Questions and Technical Assistance

Representatives of MASBDA and the State Treasurer’s Office can provide information and technical assistance, as requested by any eligible facility borrower, on the requirements of the Program and the general requirements of Missouri FIRST Program.

Further information or assistance can be obtained by contacting:

Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority
1616 Missouri Blvd.
P.O. Box 630
Jefferson City, Mo. 65102
Phone: 573-751-2129
E-mail: masbda@mda.mo.gov
Website: agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/eligiblefacility.php

Missouri State Treasurer
Missouri Linked Deposit
PO Box 210
Jefferson City, Mo. 65102
(573) 751-2372
Website: treasurer.mo.gov

MASBDA Application & Processing Fee

MASBDA charges an application and processing fee of 25 basis points (¼ of 1% or .0025). The entire fee is due with the application.