-Overview
The Intro Revolving Loan Fund Course offers an in-depth look at RLF program development, implementation, and management. This course demonstrates how an RLF program can complement your economic development strategy, encourage investment, and assist traditionally underserved businesses.
During this course, attendees learn the essential elements needed to operate a successful RLF program and discuss programs making a difference in communities nationwide.
This course qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Join us online and start down the road to personal and professional advancement today.
Register
Course Objectives
- Learn about how RLFs complement and enhance an economic development strategy
- Interact with leaders in the revolving loan fund industry
- Discuss best practice principles for sound RLF management
- Dissect a loan process from start to finish
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Topics Covered
- How RLFs enhance your economic development strategy
- How to design and establish an RLF
- How to manage, market, and promote an RLF program
- The decision-making process
- Pre- and post-loan closing
- What to do when the deal goes bad
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Who Should Attend?
- Loan fund managers
- Economic development professionals
- Community development professionals
- Elected officials
- Government and nonprofit finance officers
- Corporate trustees
- Legal counsel
- Underwriters
- Commercial bankers
- Accountants
- Financial advisors
- Policymakers
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Course Advisor
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Lori DeWine
Council of Development Finance Agencies
Managing Director
Lori DeWine is Managing Director of the Knowledge & Networks Division at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) where she oversees the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, and Revolving Loan Fund ... programs. With over 20 years of experience in education, affordable housing, and finance, Lori brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Before joining CDFA, Lori served as Vice President at a nationwide mortgage company and as Chief Operating Officer of a local credit union. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education and Adult Learning. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Lori enjoys teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Sinclair Community College. (More)
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-Agenda
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
| Wed 11:00 AM - 11:10 AM |
Welcome and Overview
Welcome to the course! This session will introduce CDFA, explain how to use the online software, and discuss the framework for the two-day Intro Revolving Loan Fund Course.
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| Wed 11:10 AM - 12:35 PM |
Understanding and Designing a Revolving Loan Fund
This session will introduce the basic structure and purpose of revolving loan funds and how they support economic development goals. We’ll also discuss how to design an RLF based on your community’s needs and funding sources—highlighting how to identify lending gaps, set priorities, and align with program parameters.
Speaker(s)
- Brett Doney, President & Chief Executive Officer, Great Falls Development Authority
- Fawn Zimmerman, Managing Director, CDFA Advisory Services, Council of Development Finance Agencies
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| Wed 12:35 PM - 12:45 PM |
Break
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| Wed 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM |
RLF Management, Marketing, and Operations
Managing a successful RLF takes clear policies, thoughtful oversight and strong outreach. This session will cover the core elements of RLF operations including developing a policy manual, working with a Loan Review Committee, effectively marketing your program and building partnerships that help you reach the right borrowers.
Speaker(s)
- Joy Melton, Business Development Specialist/Loan Fund Manager, Northwest Regional Planning Commission
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| Wed 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM |
RLF Process, Pre- and Post-Loan Closing and Managing Non-performing Loans
From analyzing loan applications to navigating challenges when deals don’t go as planned, this session walks through the full RLF lending process. We’ll explore program and project analysis, financial underwriting, and how to prepare for loan committee decisions. The session also covers what happens after the loan is approved including documentation, servicing, and steps to take when a borrower runs into trouble.
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| Wed 4:00 PM - 4:10 PM |
Break
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| Wed 4:10 PM - 4:55 PM |
Innovative RLFs
During the last session of the course, representatives from innovative RLF programs will explain their operations, philosophies, and lessons learned from years of experience.
Speaker(s)
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| Wed 4:55 PM - 5:00 PM |
Closing Discussion / Final Questions
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-Location
The Intro Revolving Loan Fund Course will take place on Zoom. The course will meet from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern. Attendees must have access to a computer and the internet to attend the course. Please note that this course will not be recorded. |
-Registration
This training course qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's
Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Start down the road to personal and professional advancement today.
Scholarships are available to attend this event. Learn more about the
CDFA Scholarship Program,
and submit your application today.
Please note that the application deadline is two weeks prior to the course start date.
CDFA permits only one person to log in and participate in the course. If multiple people are accessing the course without paying to attend, we will terminate the connection and access. CDFA offers group discounts for organizations that wish to register multiple people.
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CDFA Member: $500
Non-Member: $825
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CDFA Member: $625
Non-Member: $950
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Register