The purpose of the RLF is to provide financing to new and existing industry and small businesses in the Region 10 area. Ninety-five percent of these businesses have succeeded, adding or retaining jobs, and adding additional tax dollars to the local economy. Financial gaps appear when standard lending institutions cannot or will not finance smaller, riskier, or unconventional projects. The RLF works closely with local banks and other financial institutions in providing these funds. In some cases the RLF requires another lender to participate in the financing as a primary lender.
Emphasis is placed on job creation for people of low and moderate income.
In the case of an existing business, job retention is also considered. All programs have different requirements and are not available to businesses involving gambling, pyramid schemes, real estate development, and others of speculative nature. The RLF Loan Committee reviews most loan applications. They meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Applications should be received at least 15 days prior to the loan committee meeting.