Our Services
FDL offers the following financial and equity placement consulting services, along with technical due-diligence for investment ventures on small, medium, and large ventures:
- Corporate development -- special offerings for seed to established firms, as well as foreign firms seeking to establish a US presence.
- Professional Business Plan Preparation -- articulate your savvy business idea cohesively.
- Equity Capital Search -- obtain working and/or growth capital for your businesses.
- Commercial Loans and Mortgages -- obtain funds to satisfy the debt requirements of your business.
- Leasing and Equipment finance -- for lessees and lessors. Vendor programs available for equipment manufacturers and brokers.
- Residential Developer Programs -- provide high LTC as well as equity, mezzanine and bridge loans.
- Medical Professionals and Dental Professionals -- working capital and leasing programs.
- Financial Services -- a number of financial services and consulting programs.
Corporate Development
We offer a wide range of products and services necessary for all stage companies whether domestic or foreign, with or without international aspirations. You will find these offerings to be essential to the establishment and/or growth of any business idea or entity.
Offerings to established firms seeking growth or diversity:
- Business Plans -- three-payment fee with amount depending on complexity and client employee participation. See section on Business Plans for more information.
- Website designed, completion, and maintenance with fees also based on complexity.
- Capital searches for debt or equity conducted on a strictly success basis with NO "UPFRONT" FEES.
- Domestic or International essential administrative and financial (see section on Financial Service) services provided here or abroad by our affiliated firm.
Seed to emerging stage companies:
- Brochure (3 folds 8 1/2 x 11) designed and authored by our staff with 500 business cards, envelopes and letterhead stationery included.
- Website design and completed by our staff.
- Corporate formation
- Simple business plan generally 8 - 10 pages
- Accounting, tax and audit services provided through our affiliated CPA firm.
- Capital searches conducted on a success fee basis.
Business Plans
A complete, professionally prepared business plan is an absolute necessity for those of you who are seeking capital. There are actually institutions who will reject your application immediately simply because your plan is not correctly prepared. Of particular importance is the Executive Summary, which effectively should be your "best foot forward." If this is not prepared correctly the rest of your plan may not be looked at.
Remember the folks you are sending this to get literally hundreds of plans so they need a "weeding out" process. Their thoughts are that if you have not been thorough and professional in preparing the most important document of your life why should they think that you would run your business differently?
The professionals at FDL know what the components of a good plan are what their contents should be. For example, the typical answer we hear our initial inquiry about projections is that they are "conservative." That's nice. Our response is "are they reasonable and do you have a rational for them?" If you are deliberately understating projections you are doing yourself a disservice. As we will certainly repeat, your business plan is a SALES TOOL. Let's put your "best foot foward."
It is our objective to help you create a unique, professional plan, which reveals your company in the best possible light. We work with you to be certain that all major topics are covered and all financial information is supportable.
Naturally all plans will be different in the extent and nature of their content, but we begin with the following suggested format:
- Cover page
- Executive Summary
- Table of Contents
- History and Description of the Company
- Product and/or Service
- Visual Aids (photos, brochures, etc.)
- Market Analysis and Competition
- Your Strengths and Weaknesses
- Selling Strategies and Related Communications
- Operations (how the enterprise is run)
- Management and Ownership (names and condensed resumes)
- Goals - Sales, Product, Personnel, Plant - Interrelate
- Funds Required - use and exit strategy
- Financials Section - recent (last 3 years) historical financial should prepared by a CPA, current interim and 3 years projections with reconciled cash flow
- Appendices and exhibits
Depending on the complexity and volume of the plan our proposal may include not only the contracting of professionals such as CPAs, writers, and printers but also in an effort to cut costs the use of your own staff where appropriate. Simpler plans (7 - 10 pages) we are generally able to complete with just your cooperation. In any case we work closely with you to avoid interruptions to your business and still get this plan done.
Business Plans are done for fixed fees based on the complexity of the plan plus the cost of printing whatever numbers of books you wish. As an incentive to you to sign a capital search contract with us offer a credit for half of the business plan fee off your success fee if we are able to find you a funder.
Equity Capital
We are one of the premiere venture capital search groups. It is our job to introduce you to individuals or institutions that become interested enough in your business to invest their hard-earned money in it. We know who they are, where they are located and what they expect of people who apply to them. We identify funders, present your preliminary information and after they have indicated an interest in your firm, introduce you. Ultimately it is you who must convince the investor he would do well to give you what you need. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR INFORMATION. For the most part investors want to deal directly with the owner or principal officer of the firm seeking capital. If you wish we'll be glad to be with you during your crucial presentation supporting you in anyway we can. However, the investor's questions will almost always be directed at you so you must be thoroughly familiar with your material.
Our clientele is diverse and includes firms in the education, health care, entertainment, real estate and hi-tech fields. The underlying principle which we look for in our clients remain people. We expect our clients to be ethical and devoted no only to their business responsibilities but their personal commitments as well.
We will work with any stage company, private or public. We define the various stages as follows:
- Seed - Your business plan may or may not be complete. Founder is usually the only employee.
- Early - Your business plan is complete. Some managers and employees on board. Development of the product has begun. There is no prototype or first prototype is incomplete.
- Mid - Key and many support positions are filled. One or two strategic relationships are in place. Prototype is complete. First offering may be available and/or is being used by a client. Your company is on the verge of sales growth in one or two quarters based on financing.
- Late - Professional management and significant infrastructure are in place. Multiple customers and strategic relationships are also in place. Sales are beginning to accelerate.
- Emerging - You are fully operational and your brand developed. You are poised for the next level of growth. There is market acceptance of your product. You have relevant sales and are close to profitability.
As our mission statement states you engage us on a success fee basis in an attempt to identify a source willing to provide the funds you need. Fees are determined based on the maturity of your firm and size of your request.
Nationwide Commercial Loan and Mortgage Group
If your company needs funding in the form of debt for working capital or property acquisitions or other reasons, you would think that you could turn to your banker. In theory he would know about your company and the ingredients of probable success it has gathered.
If your firm is established, he might even proudly state how he knows it inside and out. However, one day when you ask him for money, "real money", you could be amazed how much he knows about your deficiencies and how little he knows about your strengths. Unfortunately, his ignorance is not his problem, IT IS YOURS. You must educate him in order to solve the problem. The solution comes down to communications, clear, persuasive communications! Some of it is spoken and some of it is in the form of a written proposal.
Your bank may or may not be a good place to begin your search, as it is possible your financing requirements may exceed your bank's capacity or that the institution most interested in lending your type of business is someone other than your banker. They may be located in your city or elsewhere in the nation. We can work with you REGARDLESS OF YOUR LOCATION, as the lenders whom we submit our clients' proposals are nationwide.
We know how easy it is for you to think of a lender as an obstacle to your success. Instead we help you think of the loan officer as someone who would absolutely write you the check you need if only he or she saw all the components of your business and not just your balance sheet. Remember he also needs to do business to make money.
The lender actually has an open mind and you need to fill it with the knowledge of what really makes your company tick. You will deliver this information in person, sometimes in the form of a detailed business plan.
Your success in obtaining the capital you seek will hinge on your ability to show exactly why your company deserves it.
Leasing and Equipment Finance
Our leasing specialists can help you locate the best financing source for your industry and the type of equipment you require. Up to 100% of costs including installation is available. A simple one-page application is often all that is necessary for transactions under $75,000.
If you own a manufacturing firm, our experts can help you develop a powerful sales tool that is your own VENDOR LEASING PROGRAM.
Residential Developer Construction Loan Programs
FDL Associates works with the largest providers of construction loans to developers of single family and condo projects in the US. They are active nationwide.
These programs have some distinct advantages such as:
- Leveraged/reduced equity requirements. Loans of 85-90% of costs including land can be provided.
- Loans provided on the same terms for condominiums, including conversions.
Programs can provide for single-family developments, condominiums and condominium conversions:
- Flexible loan amounts with a target range of $5 - $75 MM per development
- Prime based rates
- Flexible terms, mostly 12-24 months with extension provisions
- Fees are generally 200 bps
- LTC can be 85% - 90% of total costs
- Equity requirements are also flexible with seller financing considered
- Larger borrowers with strong balance sheets are considered for limited or non-recourse, while personal recourse is required for smaller borrowers. FICO scores of at least 680 are preferred, with possible exceptions.
In addition, we work with financial institutions and high net worth individuals who may provide equity, mezzanine or bridge loans for your project.
Medical Working Capital Loans
Loans from $20,000 to $150,000 Application only to $75,000
- Working capital loans are designed to enhance the value of the medical practice - whether it be by advertising, hiring a new associate, hiring a consultant, taking continuing education classes or purchasing new or used equipment, the doctor has the freedom to choose how to best allocate the funds.
- Designed for startup and established medical or dental practices. Doctors must be licensed a minimum of 2 years and Veterinarians and Physical Therapists must have 2 years Time in Business.
- The Working Capital Loan Program is designed for the medical professional operating his or her own practice on a day-to-day basis -- not a property management or investment company owned by a medical professional.
- Medical practices owned and operated by non-medical professionals do not qualify for the Working Capital Loan Program.
- Loan does not appear on personal credit bureau unless it becomes severely delinquent.
- A check will be over-nighted to the doctor and he or she can spend the funds as they see fit to enhance the value of the practice.
- A 60 month loan term is offered.
- Terms to 72 months on loans over $50,000 (if requested and approved).
- Deferred payments (3 @ $100) are available if requested and approved at time of application.
- No advance payments are required. First payment is collected in arrears.
- The doctor's personal guarantee is always required. Spousal personal guarantees may be required if the spouse is active in the practice or a signor on the business checking account.
- Minimum 650 Beacon or Fair Isaac score required.
- Approvals are valid for 30 days.
- Tax returns may be required when revolving debt is $50,000 or greater, excluding secured lines of credit. When revolving debt is $25,000 but less than $50,000 with less than 40% revolving available, tax returns may also be required.
- Our loan document does not restrict the doctor's ability to borrow, buy, sell or lease equipment as needed for the practice.
- Our collateral is a lien against the general assets of the practice and the personal guarantee of the doctor. A first position is not required. We take whatever lien position is available at the time of our UCC filing.
- Life insurance assignments are required on all working capital transaction $50,000 and over. Life insurance assignments are normally waived for multiple doctor practices.
- Transaction under $50,000 require a $500 administrative fee; transactions $50,000 and over required a $750 administrative fee, which includes a single site inspection.
- Bankruptcies will be considered after 5 years if clean credit has been re-established.
- Unfortunately, we do not offer loans in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Arkanas, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
- Rates are determined in part by loan size.
- Remember - APPLICATION ONLY to $75,000.
Dental Practice Refinance Loans
General Information:
- Only refinance loans can be considered at this time. No practice acquisitions.
- Designed for established practices with 5 or more years time in business
- Loans from $150,001 to $400,000 for a single dentist practice and $1500,001 to $750,000 for a multi-dentist practice. New loan must cash flow.
- In addition to paying off all debts, the dentist may request up to 20% of the total loan as a cash payment.
- What do you we need to process the refinance application? (1) Complete personal and business tax returns for the past three years, a signed recent personal financial statement and interim financial statements. (2) List of current creditors and payment amounts, along with a current payoff quote, so that we can determine cash flow and the decrease in monthly payments with our new loan. This list should also contain loan origination date, amount of loan and term. (3) Signed commitment letter and signed application
- Payoff to creditor will be be done via "pay proceeds letter"
Fee Based Financial Services Provided to all our Clients
We provide the following expert services to our clients through our affiliated CPA firm:
Auditing and Assurance Services - We are proficient in the preparation of audited, reviewed or compiled financial statements in accordance with procedures established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. We are proficient and experienced in a wide variety of businesses. We have developed a more personal approach to providing the concise services necessary to issue informative, meaningful and timely financial statements and Assurance Reports. Our approach to our assignments enables us to clearly understand the subject organization, and apply the most up-to-date professional techniques, standards and practices. We issue reports with the professionalism that will impress business associates and help achieve business objectives, not merely report of your accomplishments.
Financial Forecasts and Projections - We compile, examine and apply agreed upon procedures to financial forecasts and projections under guidelines for prospective financial statements issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts. We carefully review assumptions and present reasonable and reliable forecasts. We do not accept all clients in this area. We are selective, maintain our independence and give our clients the edge they need in prudent financing alternatives.
Business Valuation - We are regularly engaged to determine the value of a closely-help business for estate tax purposes and marital dissolutions. We are adept at applying valuation techniques either from prescribed Treasury or regulations or AICPA approved methods.
Tax consulting and compliance - We routinely provide expert tax planning for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts and not-for-profit associations. We are capable of providing all of the related tax returns and any other tax compliance needs national or international. In addition we represent our clients before all the taxing authorities if the need arises.
Financial and accounting consulting - We assist clients with establishing internal accounting control systems, budgetary controls, computer systems and management information systems. We are proficient system design and will make software recommendations only after a thorough study of your information needs.
Management Advisory Services - We regularly accept engagements for the design of accounting systems, or to establish organizational structures, and general business plans.
Special Services Engagements - We assist organizations in special circumstances. These services include, but are not limited to cost accounting analysis and vote tabulating services.