Frequently Asked Questions

Bear Paw Development receives funding from a number of sources including a planning grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, membership dues from local government entities, interest income from our revolving loan funds, and various grant administration funds.

Our interest rates are based on the prime rate and depend on your credit score and overall risk of your project. Please call our office for an interest rate quote.

The term (length) of your loan will depend on the type of collateral offered and the use of your loan funds, and can range from 5 years to 20 years.

There is no prepayment penalty for repaying your loan prior to its maturity date.

Loan funds may be used for any of the following purposes.
Please call our office if you have questions about whether your project falls into one or more of the following categories.

• Purchase of an existing business, property, equipment, or inventory
• Property renovations
• Working capital
• Start-ups
• Contaminated Properties
• Gap Financing

Yes, the SBDC assists both the potential and existing entrepreneurs. We can assist existing entrepreneurs with the challenges that they often face as they grow for example; financing an expansion, developing a marketing plan, development of a strategic plan, creation of an exit strategy and much more!

The SBDC does not have any direct money to loan but your SBDC Business Advisor will suggest an appropriate source for financing that best suits your needs. With a complete business plan and financial projections you will be able to apply for SBA guaranteed loans and approach local banks for capital.

The Business Plan is your guiding map to entrepreneurial success. A good business plan defines your business and the product and service that you are providing to meet the needs of your customers. It is a necessary tool in obtaining financing and keeping your business moving in a positive direction.

No. The SBDC Business Advisor will give you advice on developing a comprehensive business plan, financial projections and capital requirements, and will work one-on-one with you to get your business off the ground. They will advise and provide you with suggestions to make your plan be top notch, no matter how long it takes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Business Development defines value-added products as follows:  a change in physical state or form of the product, the production of a product in a manner that enhances its value, as demonstrated in a business plan, and the physical segregation of an agricultural commodity or product in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of that commodity or product.  As a result of the change in physical state or the manner in which the agricultural commodity or product is produced and segregated, the customer base for the commodity or product is expanded and a greater portion of revenue derived from the marketing, processing or physical segregation is made available to the producer of the commodity or product.

Presently, there are five recognized categories of added value.  Categories include:  producing and marketing a real or perceived quality attribute or characteristic, reducing transaction costs, bundling products, producing and marketing a commodity that improves operating efficiency somewhere up the supply chain, and producers owning assets somewhere up the supply chain for further commodity processing.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS, is a strategic planning document designed to help guide the economic growth of an area. It is a regional strategy which reflects local economic development needs and priorities and recommends a regional approach to achieving sustainable economic development. A CEDS is required to qualify for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) assistance under its Public Works and Planning Programs.

You can view our CEDS here.

A member entity representing a local government must write a letter requesting assistance on behalf of your project.  The request for assistance is then presented to the Bear Paw Development Board of Directors at their next meeting, and is evaluated and voted on by the Board at that time.

In most cases, no.  Most grants require a minimum dollar amount in matching funds to be contributed to the project in order to qualify for a grant.  Although there are exceptions, they are very rare.

NOW! By contacting us as early as possible with your infrastructure need, we can work with you to set a course of action that will solve your problem and prepare your community for the future.