-Agenda
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
| Wed 11:00 AM - 11:10 AM |
Welcome & Overview
Welcome to the course! This session will introduce CDFA, explain how to use the online software, and discuss the framework for the Advanced Revolving Loan Fund Course.
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| Wed 11:10 AM - 11:55 AM |
Principles of Loan Underwriting
Strong underwriting is the backbone of a successful Revolving Loan Fund. This opening session establishes the core principles and best practices for loan underwriting in an economic development context, with a focus on aligning credit decisions with the RLF’s mission. Participants will explore how underwriting standards should be clearly defined and communicated to borrowers, staff, and loan committees, setting the foundation for case study analysis throughout the course.
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| Wed 11:55 AM - 12:45 PM |
Evaluating Risk
Risk decisions shape who gets access to capital and how far an RLF can go. This session helps participants define a clear, mission-aligned risk philosophy by examining borrower, credit, portfolio, and industry risk. Attendees will explore how perception and bias influence lending decisions and learn how to balance expanding access to underserved borrowers with maintaining a healthy, sustainable fund.
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| Wed 12:45 PM - 12:55 PM |
Break
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| Wed 12:55 PM - 2:05 PM |
Borrower Analysis
Every loan decision requires judgment. This session dives into the art and discipline of borrower analysis, showing how underwriting guidelines are applied in real-world situations. Through case studies, participants will evaluate financial statements, assess borrower capacity and character, and weigh risk factors that rarely come with clear answers. Expect robust discussion, debate, and analysis that mirrors the decisions lenders face every day.
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| Wed 2:05 PM - 2:40 PM |
Collecting Borrower Documents and Providing Technical Assistance
Strong underwriting begins with clear processes and strong borrower relationships. This session shows how consistent policies, smart use of technology, and proactive technical assistance streamline document collection and strengthen loan decisions. Participants will learn how hands-on support and clear communication with borrowers can improve readiness, reduce delays, and lead to better outcomes for both the fund and the borrower.
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| Wed 2:40 PM - 3:20 PM |
Investment Strategies
As an RLF matures, smart investment decisions become essential to long-term growth and impact. This session explores how high-performing loan funds evaluate portfolio strength, manage returns, and decide when reinvestment can support new or expanded loan programs. Participants will examine investment policies and growth strategies that help RLFs build capacity while maintaining financial stability.
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| Wed 3:20 PM - 3:30 PM |
Break
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| Wed 3:30 PM - 4:10 PM |
Portfolio Management
As an RLF grows, so does the complexity of managing it. This session focuses on practical portfolio management strategies that help loan funds stay organized, compliant, and efficient even with multiple funding sources and diverse borrowers. Participants will learn how consistent procedures, clear staff roles, and smart systems can simplify reporting and servicing, freeing up time for strategic planning and program growth.
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| Wed 4:10 PM - 4:55 PM |
Identifying Market Gaps in Your Community
To stay effective, an RLF must evolve alongside the community it serves. This closing session focuses on how loan funds can proactively identify emerging market gaps as industries shift, borrower needs change, and economic conditions evolve. Participants will explore practical strategies for monitoring economic statistics, evaluating rates and fees, adjusting lending terms, and building partnerships that keep their RLF relevant, responsive, and impactful.
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| Wed 4:55 PM - 5:00 PM |
Closing Discussion / Final Questions
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