New Orleans FFRI Program Highlights

N E W O R LE A N S F R ES H F O O D R E T A I L E R I N I T I A T I V E

The Fresh Food Retailer Initiative (FFRI) is a $7 million citywide program to encourage
New Orleans FFRI
supermarket and grocery store development in low‐income, underserved communities

of Orleans Parish.   The FFRI program is partially funded by Disaster Community Program Highlights

Development Block Grants (D‐CDBG) granted to the City of New Orleans by the
● Forgivable loans and
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Louisiana.
interest‐bearing loans for
By providing financing for capital, real estate and related expenses, the program will new and existing retail
enable operators to open, renovate, or expand retail outlets that sell fresh fruits and outlets

vegetables. FFRI will provide underserved neighborhoods in New Orleans with better ● Flexible funding for pre‐
access to fresh foods, quality employment opportunities, and opportunities for development, development
revitalization. The program is made possible by the City of New Orleans and and initial operations costs

administered by Hope Enterprise Corporation in partnership with The Food Trust.
● Available to for‐profit and
non‐profit markets
FINANCING PRODUCTS

The FFRI Program provides forgivable and interest‐bearing loans to support grocery

How To Apply
development.  Eligible activities include: pre‐development, site assembly and
improvement, construction and rehabilitation, equipment installation and upgrades, staff To find out if you are eligible
training, security, and start‐up inventory and working capital. The total amount of D‐ for the New Orleans FFRI,
download the application
CDBG FFRI funding awarded, per store, may not exceed $1,000,000, of which the total
from www.hope‐ec.org.
portion of forgivable loans may not exceed $500,000.

More funding may be supplied in the form of market‐rate interest bearing loans from Complete the eligibility
private lenders or New Markets Tax Credits.   application and submit your
form with attachments by e‐
See the reverse for information about borrower requirements and loan terms. mail, fax or mail to:

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS Hope Enterprise Corporation
1726 O.C. Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
Forgivable and interest‐bearing loans are available to supermarkets or other retail
FAX: 504‐527‐0691
grocery outlets committed to expanding the healthy food offerings in low‐ or moderate‐ E‐MAIL: ffri@hope‐ec.org
income, underserved neighborhoods. An underserved neighborhood is defined as an
area of below average supermarket density or grocery sales.   Have questions about the

application process?
Applicants must plan to either: open a self‐service supermarket or other grocery retail
outlet primarily selling fresh produce, seafood, meat, dairy, and other groceries; Call 504‐585‐2860 or e‐mail
renovate and substantially improve a store’s ability to stock and sell a variety of fresh ffri@hope‐ec.org for
fruits and vegetables; or develop a real estate project that will lease space to a grocery assistance.
retail tenant.

Loan Underwriter,
Service and   Food Access
Public Partner:
Compliance Partner: Partner:

Funding provided in part by D‐CDBG.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

New Orleans
Project Location: Low‐ to Moderate‐Income (LMI) Census Tract; below average food FFRI Applicants:

market density/sales.  Projects in other locations significantly serving LMI areas may also

be considered.
All applicants should refer to
Dedicated Shelf Space: Significant shelf space must be dedicated to the sale of fresh fruit the full Program Guidelines
and vegetables. (Suggested minimum: 15% of the current/future store shelf space or 24 and Eligibility Application,
available at
linear feet of shelf space, whichever is greater.)
www.hope‐ec.org.
Financing Uses: Both FFRI forgivable loans and low‐interest loans may be used for:
●   Pre‐development These terms represent
●   Site assembly and improvement general guidelines.
Exceptions may be
●   Construction and rehabilitation
considered on a case‐by‐case
●   Equipment
basis. All projects that fit the
●   Staff training
general mission of the Fresh
●   Security Food Retailer Initiative are
●   Inventory and working capital encouraged to apply.

Environmental Review: CDBG Environmental Review will be conducted by the City of New
For more information:
Orleans before disbursement of loan. Since the FFRI program is partially funded by

Disaster Community Development Block Grants (D‐CDBG), all projects considered must be Call 504‐585‐2860 or
environmentally reviewed and classified as Exempt, Categorically Excluded, in need of an ffri@hope‐ec.org for
Environmental Assessment (EA), or in need of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). assistance.

FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

●   Project meets general program eligibility criteria
●   Beacon credit score > 550 for all principals and guarantors
●   Projected debt coverage ratio of 1.2x, defined as EBITDA / (interest payments + current maturities)
●   Personal guarantee, where applicable
●   No prior history of bankruptcy at any time with the business nor recent bankruptcy (within the last seven years)
for the principals
●   With security for the loan calculated at the lower of cost or market, no LTV ratios will be accepted at above 85%
●   Minimum combined grocery store management experience of the principals is to be 5 years, with a preference
for 8 or more years

LOAN UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS

●   A properly completed business loan application (only required following eligibility determination)
●   Current financial statements for the borrower and all co‐borrowers and guarantors
●   A spread of the business’s financial statements
●   A credit analysis

LOAN RATES AND TERMS
●   Rates will generally range from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Prime Rate to the WSJ Prime Rate plus 3%.
●   Length of the loan term will depend on the financing needs of the borrower (projected cash flow and
activities/items being financed).

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

S E C T I O N I: I N T R O D U C T I O N

Statement of Purpose

The Fresh Food Retailer Initiative (FFRI) is an innovative new financing program created by the City of New Orleans to
increase the number of supermarkets, grocery stores, and other fresh food markets in low‐income, underserved
communities across Orleans Parish.  The intent of the program is to enable operators to open, renovate, or expand retail
outlets that sell fresh fruits and vegetables.   Hope Enterprise Corporation (HOPE) and The Food Trust are partners in
administering this citywide program, which meets the financing needs of food markets in communities where
infrastructure costs and credit needs cannot be filled solely by conventional financial institutions.  The City has provided
$7 million in Disaster Community Development Block Grant (D‐CDBG) funds toward the program which will be matched
1:1 by HOPE.  Under the FFRI program, HOPE will provide a combination of forgivable and interest‐bearing loans for
predevelopment, site assembly and improvement, construction and rehabilitation, equipment installation and upgrades,
staff training, security, and inventory and working capital for start‐up costs.  The Food Trust will evaluate applications to
determine eligibility for the program.

The initiative was created in response to the lack of fresh, healthy foods in many New Orleans neighborhoods, a
problem exacerbated by Hurricane Katrina, and growing evidence that supermarket access reduces the risk of
developing diet‐related diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.  The Fresh Food Retailer Initiative will
directly benefit low and moderate income residents in New Orleans by providing healthy food access, creating jobs, and
revitalizing neighborhoods.

Hope Enterprise Corporation (HOPE) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to
strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives in economically distressed areas of the Mid South by
providing access to high‐quality financial products and related services.  Since 1994, HOPE has generated over $1.4
billion in financing for entrepreneurs, homebuyers and community development projects and directly benefited more
than 75,000 individuals.  Founded in 1992, The Food Trust is a non‐profit organization dedicated to making affordable,
healthy food available to all.  The Food Trust was a key partner of the Fresh Food Financing Initiative in Pennsylvania, a
statewide program that has helped to open 88 stores in underserved areas.

S E C T I O N II: ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

Types of Entities
An applicant may have a for‐profit or non‐profit status and may be, but is not limited to, one of the following:  national
chain, regional grocery chain, singular grocery retail outlet, and smaller neighborhood or cooperative food store.

Purpose
In order to be eligible to participate in FFRI, the applicant must demonstrate one of the following:

1) plan to open or renovate a self‐service supermarket or other grocery retail outlet primarily selling affordable
fresh produce, seafood, meat, dairy, and other groceries; or

Loan Underwriter,
Public Partner:


2) improve a store’s ability to stock and sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, where fresh produce carrying
capacity had previously been limited or nonexistent; or
3) develop a real estate project that will lease space to a grocery retail tenant.  In this case, the applicant must
have a signed lease with a fresh food retail operator. Projects with multi‐tenant uses may be eligible if the
development project is funded proportionately to grocery retailer square footage, allowing the FFRI award to
focus only on the grocery retail tenant portion.

Location
The applicant’s business must be located:
 within Orleans Parish
 in a location that meets Low‐ or Moderate‐ Income (LMI) criteria (described below)

The applicant’s business site will also be assessed to determine whether it is within an underserved area (defined as an
area of below average supermarket density or below average grocery sales).

Low Moderate Income (LMI) Criterion
A project will be deemed to meet the LMI criterion if is within a census tract OR service area where at least 51% of
persons or households are low to moderate income.

A project may also be eligible if it is satisfactorily shown to create or retain permanent jobs, at least 51 percent of which
(computed on a full‐time equivalent basis) will be made available to or held by LMI persons.

Dedicated Shelf Space
The applicant must demonstrate that significant shelf space (suggested minimum of either 15 percent of the current or
future store shelf space or 24 linear feet of shelf space, whichever is greater) is dedicated to the sale of fresh fruit and
vegetables.  Such a standard establishes a meaningful commitment to sell fresh produce and other healthy foods.

Ineligible Applicants

1) Applicants that fail to demonstrate a commitment to offer fresh healthy foods in the judgment of the City,
HOPE, and The Food Trust.
2) Large department stores that specialize in many different types of goods, of which groceries are only one
department.
3) Restaurants, cafes, or bakeries.
4) Pharmacies with grocery sections.
5) Businesses with alcohol or tobacco retail sales as the primary source of revenue.
6) Public entities.

B. Eligible Activities

Fund Usage
Both FFRI forgivable loans and interest‐bearing loans may be used for:

1) Pre‐Development: to pay for the early costs associated with project feasibility including professional fees (e.g.
architectural, engineering, etc.), market studies, appraisals, and deposits on land and buildings.
2) Site Assembly and Improvement: to pay for acquisition, demolition, environmental remediation, unstable
foundations and soil conditions, and other costs associated with site and infrastructure improvement.
3) Construction and Rehabilitation: to construct, rehabilitate, or expand the interior and/or exterior of the retail
space.

Page 2 of 7

4) Equipment: to install or upgrade equipment, machinery, furnishings or interior fit‐out, especially as necessary to
increase the inventory and sale of fresh fruit and vegetables.
5) Staff Training: to pay for training new or existing staff, especially in such areas as safe food handling techniques,
sanitation, and management of fresh fruits and vegetables.
6) Security: to pay for security staff, security training, and security related equipment and site design features to
create a safe environment in a neighborhood setting.
7) Inventory and Working Capital: to cover first‐time inventory or other working capital expenses necessary to the
sale of fresh fruit and vegetables and the initial operations of the business.

Ineligible Activities
Borrowers may not use funds for:

1) The sole purpose of refinancing existing debt.
2) Payment of any tax arrearages, government fines or penalties.
3) Political or religious activities.
4) Buying out any stockholder or equity holder in the borrower’s business.
5) Buying out or reimbursing any family member.
6) Purchasing instruments or investments for the sole purpose of a return on investment.
7) All other activities prohibited in the CDBG regulations Part 570.

C. Application Process and Evaluation

In order to determine eligibility, the applicant must complete a FFRI Eligibility Application.  The Food Trust will review
each eligibility application to determine whether the proposed project meets the criteria listed above.  The Food Trust
will additionally consider the following:

1) Degree of benefit to underserved populations: The project has a measureable impact on the level of
affordable fresh foods provided to low‐ and moderate‐income residents of the area that the project serves.
2) Promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables: The Applicant demonstrates a commitment to promoting the sale
of fresh fruits and vegetables, e.g. the project details strategies to promote fresh produce sales beyond simple
availability, such as product placement, marketing, providing recipes and demonstrations, and outreach.
3) Organizational experience and capacity: The Applicant demonstrates the capacity to implement and sustain
the project, e.g. through a sound financial/business plan and relevant experience in fresh food retail.
4) Project Need: The project requires an investment of public funding to move forward, to create impact, or to
be competitive with similar projects in the region.
5) Community Support: The project demonstrates community support and/or partnerships as evaluated by
Letters of Support from community‐based organizations and community groups.
6) Consistency with “Green Community” Objectives: The project incorporates environmentally responsible
practices into the project plan, such as integrated design, site improvements, water conservation, energy
efficiency, and use of materials beneficial to the environment.
7) Market and Demographic Evaluation:  The Applicant will examine the quality and accessibility of any local
competition, site geography, and demographic profile of the Census tract in which the site is located.
8) Consistency with Plans:  The Applicant will coordinate with the City of New Orleans Master Plans, local
community plans and community development programs.
9) Land Use and Urban Design:  The project will adhere to sound land use and urban design principles.

If an applicant is deemed eligible, the applicant will receive confirmation along with an invitation to complete a business
loan application from HOPE.  See Section VI, Program Inquiries, for additional information.
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S E C T I O N III: FINANCING

A. Loan Purpose

Loans from the program will fund costs associated with pre‐development, site assembly and improvement, construction
and rehabilitation, equipment installation and upgrades, staff training, security, and inventory and working capital for
initial start‐up costs.   Borrowers will be required to have a minimum of 10 percent cash equity at risk in addition to the
financing offered in this program.

B. General Terms and Conditions

The total amount of D‐CDBG FFRI funding awarded, for forgivable and interest‐bearing loans combined, may not exceed
$1,000,000 per store.  More funding may be supplied on a case‐by‐case basis in the form of market‐rate interest bearing
loans from private lenders or New Markets Tax Credits.

C. Financing Criteria

After the Applicant and the Applicant’s business have been found to meet the minimum program eligibility criteria, the
Applicant will be asked to submit a business loan application to HOPE.  Applicants will be evaluated by HOPE’s Credit
Analysis Department to determine their ability to service their debt, implement their business plan, and repay the loan
in accordance with program requirements.

In order to be eligible to receive financing under the FFRI Program, the Applicant and the Applicant’s business must
satisfy the following minimum standard underwriting criteria, unless mitigating circumstances are present and
documented in the loan file:

1) Determination that the project meets general program eligibility criteria
2) Beacon credit score > 550 for all principals and guarantors
3) Projected debt coverage ratio of 1.2x (defined as EBITDA / (interest payments + current maturities)
4) Personal guarantee, where applicable.
5) No prior history of bankruptcy at anytime with the business nor recent (within the last seven years) for the
principals
6) With security for the loan calculated at the lower of cost or market, no LTV ratios will be accepted at above 85%
7) Minimum combined grocery store management experience of the principals is to be 5 years, with a preference
for 8 or more years

Forgivable Loans
Forgivable loans of up to $500,000 per store may be awarded for designated project activities pursuant to the terms
listed below:

1) Applicants must submit a narrative that demonstrates the need for a forgivable loan.
2) The project must meet both the income criterion and underserved criterion (as detailed in the Program Eligibility
Criteria).
3) Forgivable loans will only be considered in the event the business’s project cash flow with loan repayment using
standard pricing and amortization would be expected to be below 1.2x.  Exceptions will be made for businesses
with projected cash flows that exceed 1.2x that demonstrate that their project has an exceptional opportunity
for impact in an underserved area.
4) The forgivable loan can comprise no more than 20% of the total financing needs of the borrower.
5) Forgivable loans, if awarded, will be provided at a 0% rate of interest and forgiven over a period of five years, in
an amount of one‐fifth (1/5) of the forgivable loan amount per year.

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Note:  Applicants receiving a forgivable loan will be evaluated on a yearly basis to determine if the applicant is meeting
the goals and objectives of the FFRI program.  If the applicant is found not to be in line with the goals and objectives of
the FFRI program (i.e., not providing fresh fruits and vegetables as outlined in the Program Eligibility Criteria), the
remaining balance of the forgivable loan must be repaid.

Interest-bearing Loans
Interest rates for the FFRI Program will be risk based adjusted and determined by HOPE during the underwriting and
HOPE Credit Committee approval process.  Generally, however, interest rates for FFRI Program loans will range from the
Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Prime Rate to the WSJ Prime Rate plus 3%.  The length of the loan term will depend on the
financing needs of the borrower (projected cash flow and activities/items being financed).

Other Financing Criteria

1) The total amount of CDBG FFRI Program funds awarded for forgivable and interest‐bearing loans combined may
not exceed $1,000,000 per store.
2) Applicants will be required to provide a minimum of 10% cash equity.
3) To the extent practicable, FFRI Program funds will be disbursed on a pro rata basis with other leveraged finances
provided to the project being spent first or before FFRI Program funds.
4) Default covenants are required for selling the business, selling or diluting majority ownership, or selling assets
purchased with FFRI funds.
5) Applicants will be responsible for paying the legal and assessor fees (such as survey costs, appraisal fees, and
filing fees) normally incurred with the underwriting and financing of commercial loans.

D. Application Evaluation and Approval Process

Business Loan Application
After an Applicant has completed the preliminary eligibility application stage, and after the Applicant and the Applicant’s
business have been found to meet the minimum program eligibility criteria, the Applicant will be asked to submit a
business loan application to HOPE.  The loan application is also available on www.hope‐ec.org.  Applications will be
approved on an as‐needed basis until all funds are committed to projects.   Applicants will be evaluated by HOPE’s Credit
Analysis Department to determine their ability to service their debt, implement their business plan, and repay the loan
in accordance with program requirements.

HOPE Credit Committee / City of New Orleans Review
Once the loan officer is satisfied that a loan request complies with general policy and the requirements for an acceptable
loan, the loan has been structured properly, and all necessary credit information has been obtained, the loan must go
through the formal approval process at HOPE.

All FFRI Program loans require HOPE Credit Committee or delegated lending approval.  The HOPE Credit Committee is
responsible for approval of credit terms, pricing, and credit rating, and any policy and/or documentation exceptions.

Additionally, following review by The Food Trust and HOPE, the City of New Orleans will review recommendations and
approve, request modification of, or may deny applications for funding.

E. Loan Closing

Upon approval of an application by HOPE, a loan agreement and commitment letter will be issued to the applicant
explaining the terms and conditions of the loan. The commitment letter must be signed and returned within 15 days of
the date of the commitment letter or the offer may be withdrawn.

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F. Reporting Requirements and Record Keeping and Nonperformance

HOPE will enter into a loan agreement with all borrowers.  Loan proceeds are subject to audit by HOPE.  Borrowers will
be responsible for complying with all applicable Disaster Community Development Block Grant (D‐CDBG) regulations and
for complying with the City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.  Borrowers will be expected to provide
HOPE with evidence of compliance with CDBG regulations and the DBE program.  Additionally, borrowers will be
required to submit CPA‐audited fiscal year‐end financial statements, annual federal tax returns for the borrower and all
guarantors, quarterly CPA prepared financial statements and annual personal financial statements for all guarantors.
Additional financial and/or compliance documentation may be required.

S E C T I O N IV: CDBG E N V I R O N M E N T A L R E V I E W

A. Overview

The FFRI program is partially funded by Disaster Community Development Block Grants (D‐CDBG) granted to the City of
New Orleans by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Louisiana. Therefore, all
projects being reviewed for funding through the FFRI program are subject to all NEPA regulations and thus must be
environmentally reviewed and classified as Exempt, Categorically Excluded, in need of an Environmental Assessment
(EA), or in need of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  In some cases, where contaminated soil is involved,
further soil investigation is also required.  Even if CDBG is funding only a portion of the project, the entire project is
subject to comply with environmental regulations.

Before a loan agreement can be executed for FFRI funding, an environmental review must be completed.   A change in
your project scope may require a supplemental or new environmental review to be performed
The City of New Orleans will work closely with the FFRI program administrators so that when a loan application is
approved for funding, the City will begin the environmental process.  The length of time of this review can range from
two weeks to several months depending on the activities associated with the project.  A FFRI loan agreement can only
be executed upon completion of the environmental review process.

B. Choice-Limiting Actions

Once an application for FFRI funding is submitted, a project is considered a federal undertaking, and therefore the
applicant should be careful to avoid any choice‐limiting actions that may hinder potential financing.  Generally, choice‐
limiting actions consist of making project investments before all necessary environmental clearances are obtained.
Choice‐limiting actions are defined as any activity that would have an adverse environmental impact (e.g. demolition,
dredging, filling, excavating) or limit the choice of reasonable alternatives, and include the execution of legally binding
agreements (i.e. loan agreements, construction contracts, etc), acquisition, leasing, construction, demolition of
buildings, or rehabilitation or reconstruction of buildings, regardless of funding source.

The concept of prohibiting “choice‐limiting” actions is to prevent the developer from investing in a project before all
necessary environmental clearances are obtained. Market studies, environmental studies, plan development,
engineering or design costs, inspections and tests are not considered choice‐limiting actions.

Failure to comply with the prohibition against committing funds or taking physical action (using either FFRI funds or non‐
FFRI funds) before the completion of the environmental review process could result in loss of FFRI assistance,
cancellation of the project, reimbursement by the developer/owner to FFRI for the amount expended, or suspension of
the disbursement of funds for the affected activity.

Page 6 of 7

S E C T I O N V: D I S A D V A N T A G E D B U S I N E S S E N T E R P R I S E (DBE) P R O G R A M

The City of New Orleans maintains a listing of businesses that have been certified by the City as a Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise (DBE), available at:
https://neworleans.dbesystem.com/FrontEnd/VendorSearchPublic.asp?TN=neworleans&XID=8965.

All borrowers must make a demonstrated best effort at utilizing certified DBEs in all subcontracts and procurements.
For the purposes of the FFRI program, “demonstrated best efforts” is defined as soliciting, in writing, at least 3 bids or
proposals from entities participating in the City’s DBE Program.  Documentation of this solicitation is required.

S E C T I O N VI: P R O G R A M I N Q U I R I E S

Visit www.hope‐ec.org for program information and to download the Eligibility Application.  All program inquiries should
be addressed directly to HOPE.

Contact information:
Hope Enterprise Corporation
1726 O.C. Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA, 70113
(t) 504‐585‐2860
(f) 504‐527‐0691
ffri@hope‐ec.org
www.hope‐ec.org

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F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S (FAQ)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

What is the Fresh Food Retailer Initiative?
The Fresh Food Retailer Initiative (FFRI) is a $7 million citywide program to encourage supermarket/grocery
store development in low‐income, underserved communities of Orleans Parish.  By providing financing for
capital, real estate and related expenses, the program will enable vendors to open, renovate, or expand retail
outlets that sell fresh fruits and vegetables.  FFRI will provide traditionally underserved neighborhoods in New
Orleans with better access to fresh foods, quality employment opportunities, and opportunities for
revitalization. The program is supported by the City of New Orleans and administered by Hope Enterprise
Corporation (HOPE) in partnership with The Food Trust (TFT).  The FFRI program is partially funded by Disaster
Community Block Grants (D‐CDBG).

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY

What stores are eligible?
Eligible stores should be located or plan to locate in a site within Orleans Parish that will benefit a low‐ or
moderate‐ income (LMI) community. A project can benefit an LMI community by locating within an LMI census
tract/trade area or by providing/retaining jobs for LMI individuals.  In addition, the site should be located in an
underserved area, defined as an area of below average supermarket density or grocery sales. Finally, the store
must demonstrate a commitment to providing fresh fruits and vegetables (suggested shelf space: 15% of store
or 24 linear feet of shelf space, whichever is greater). Additional information on eligibility can be found in the
Program Guidelines.

Can an existing grocery store apply?
An existing grocery retail outlet may apply if it plans to substantially improve the store’s ability to stock and
sell a variety of non‐prepared foods, or food products intended for home preparation, consumption and
utilization.

Is there a minimum store size?
There is no minimum store size, as long as the store demonstrates a commitment to providing fresh fruits and
vegetables and meets other program guidelines.  Also, it is suggested that a significant section of the store be
dedicated to the sale of fresh produce.

What is the environmental review process?
Since the FFRI program is partially funded by Disaster Community Block Grants (D‐CDBG), all projects
considered must be environmentally reviewed and classified as Exempt, Categorically Excluded, in need of an
Environmental Assessment (EA), or in need of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  A loan agreement
can ONLY be executed upon completion of the environmental review process, which will range from two
weeks to several months, depending on the activities associated with the project and if any actions may have
an adverse environmental impact.  The City of New Orleans will lead this review process.  Once an application
for FFRI funding is submitted, a project is considered a federal undertaking, and the applicant should be
careful to avoid any choice‐limiting actions that may hinder potential financing.

Loan Underwriter,
Public Partner:


TOP TEN TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

1) Thoroughly review the program guidelines to make sure that you understand what activities are eligible and
ineligible for funding.

2) To assist us in conducting a speedy analysis, make sure to fully complete the Eligibility Application and attach all
additional documentation before submitting it.  Incomplete applications will delay the assessment.

3) When writing your narrative, please include any information that you believe would demonstrate that your
project is consistent with the FFRI’s goals. (The goals are provided in the Program Guidelines.)

4) When submitting photographs or layout designs, please show views of the following: the produce area, the
exterior of the store/site, the surrounding neighborhood, etc.  Photographs and/or layout plan should include
shelf space allocation.  If applying for a new project, you can also submit interior photos of another food retail
store that your business already owns.  Please include the date of the photo and description of the view, and if
submitted as an electronic attachment, in the image file name (e.g. “32mainstreet_producearea_03152011.jpg”)

5) DO NOT submit the Business Loan Application unless and until: 1) You are notified that you are eligible and 2)
HOPE invites you to complete the financing step.

6) Incomplete Business Loan Applications will not be processed by HOPE until all required information has been
received.  You will be assigned a HOPE Loan Officer who will work with you to make sure your Business Loan
Application is complete.

7) Even if you are approved for financing, DO NOT spend a dime and avoid any “choice‐limiting actions” (listed in
the Program Guidelines) until the City has completed and notified you of the results of your environmental
review.

8) Keep copies of all of your submission materials and any written communication concerning your application.

9) Apply early!  Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

10) Please feel free to contact us at ffri@hope‐ec.org if you have any questions about the program.  Please also
contact us in the event that:
a.   You would like to set up an informational call in order to tell us about your specific project and get some
general feedback to guide you in your application.
b. You do not receive confirmation that your application and/or any additional
documentation has been received.
c. You have already submitted your application, but there are changes to your project.

Loan Underwriter,
Public Partner:


ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION

New Orleans Fresh Food Retailer Initiative
Applying for financing from the New Orleans Fresh Food Retailer Initiative is a two step process. First, the applicant must complete this Eligibility
Application to determine whether the proposed site is consistent with the goals and objectives of the program. Once a project’s eligibility is
determined, the applicant will receive a letter disclosing its eligibility status and, where appropriate, an invitation to apply for financing. The applicant
must then complete the Business Loan Application provided by Hope Enterprise Corporation (HOPE).

All applicants are encouraged to review the New Orleans Fresh Food Retailer Initiative Program Guidelines found on www.hope-ec.org.

I. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Legal Name of Individual: Tax ID or SSN: Application Date:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Email: Phone: Cell Phone: Fax:

II. BUSINESS INFORMATION
Legal Name of Business: Tax ID or SSN: Formation Date:

Type of Business:  Single Food Market or Supermarket  Real Estate Developer
 Supermarket Chain ( 2 to 5 Stores)  Other___________________
 Supermarket Chain (> 5 Stores)
 Non Profit Corporation  For Profit Corporation  Limited Partnership  Cooperative
 General Partnership  Limited Liability Company  Sole Proprietorship  Other: ________________
Business Address: Phone: Fax:

City: State: Zip:

Current No. of Employees: ________ Proposed Additional No. of Employees: ________ (after Investment)
Part-Time: ________ Full-Time: ________
Part-Time: ________ Full-Time: ________

III. SITE ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
Full Street Address of Food Market (if different from above, no P.O. boxes): Total size of Food Market Retail Space Proposed:
___________________square feet
City: State: Zip:

Project Description (check all that apply): Status of Project Site Control:
 New Construction  Expansion of Operating Store  Currently Owned  Under Agreement
 New Store in Existing Building  Renovation of Operating Store  Applicant Does Not Have  Other
 Redevelopment of Dark Store  Equipment Site Control

If Expansion, current size of existing store: _________________square feet If Other, please specify: _________________
additional square footage proposed: _________________square feet
Estimated % of square footage intended to sell fresh fruit and vegetables: ______%

NEW ORLEANS FRESH FOOD RETAILER INITIATIVE ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION

IV. ADDITIONAL PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
 Store accepts benefits from state and federal aid programs:
 SNAP  WIC

 Applicant will comply with the city’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. For more information, see Program Guidelines.

 The project makes a positive impact on the local economy.
Explain: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 The market will carry food items produced locally.
Explain: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 The project incorporates energy efficiency and green building principles.
Explain: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

V. TRADE AREA ANALYSIS
At minimum, list the 3 closest supermarkets or grocery stores (competitors) to your project. Please attach additional pages as necessary.
Name of Supermarket Street Address City & State Zip Code Distance

VI. FINANCING INFORMATION
Total Project Cost (attach preliminary budget if available):

Total Amount Requested:

Applicant proposes to use the award for the following designated activities:
 Site Assembly and Improvement  Construction and Rehabilitation  Predevelopment
 Acquisition  New Construction  Equipment
 Demolition  Rehabilitation  Staff Training
 Environmental Remediation  Expansion  Security
 Unstable Foundations and Soil Conditions  Other Construction and Rehabilitation Activities  Inventory
 Other Site and Infrastructure Improvements Explain: ______________________________  Working Capital
Explain: ______________________________ _____________________________________
______________________________________

VII. FINANCING SOURCES
Funding Sources for costs (Include your request and any other sources that have been identified, e.g. city, nonprofit, or foundation funding):
Source of Funding Amount Status (Commitment, Requested, etc.)
FFRI – Forgivable Loan $
FFRI – Low-Interest Loan $
Owner’s Equity $
Other _________________ $
Other _________________ $
Other _________________ $
Other _________________ $
Other ________________ $
Total Sources of Funding: $

Page 2 of 4
Program is made possible by the City of New Orleans and funded in part by D-CDBG.


VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

Has a NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) review been conducted for the project? If yes, explain.
 Yes
 No
Explain: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Have any contracts for the project been executed? If so, please list the type of agreement, vendor and/or consultant name, the execution date,
the expiration date, and a brief description of the services to be provided.
 Yes
 No
Explain: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IX. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
Management (includes proprietor, partners, directors, all holders of outstanding stock):
100% of ownership must be shown; use a separate sheet if necessary.
% U.S.
Name, SSN, and Position Title Complete Address Race* Sex*
Owned Citizen

* HOPE encourages minority- and women-owned businesses to apply for funding. It should be noted that this data is optional and collected for
statistical purposes only; it has no bearing on the decision to approve or decline an application.

Please answer the following questions:
1. Are you or your business involved in any pending lawsuits? (If yes, attach explanation.) :
 Yes  No

2. Have your or any officer of your company been involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings? (If yes, please provide details.)
 Yes  No

3. How or where did you hear about this program? _____________________________________________________________________________

X. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: The following exhibits must be completed.

 Project Description/Need for Funding: Please submit a brief narrative that describes the project and how it will impact the community. Include
an explanation of the costs associated with the proposed project (e.g. land assembly, security, predevelopment costs, etc.) and how you intend to
use the requested funding.

 Photographs: Please provide interior and exterior photographs of your store. If the store is not yet in existence, please provide photographs of
the site and a copy of the layout plan, including shelf space allocation.

 Support for the program: If applicable, please provide the names, business phone numbers and/or business emails of any local
State/City/County government offices/individuals and local community organizations that are in support of this project.

Tax Clearance Form: Please complete the Tax Clearance Form at the end of this application.

Page 3 of 4


The New Orleans Fresh Food Retailer Initiative is an innovative financing program, created in partnership with the City of New Orleans, Hope
Enterprise Corporation (HOPE), and The Food Trust, designed to increase the number of healthy food markets in underserved communities
across Orleans Parish. HOPE is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to creating pathways of opportunity for
low income people and communities by providing loans. The Food Trust is a nationally recognized non-profit with a mission of promoting access to
healthy foods. The Food Trust will help to evaluate applications to determine eligibility for the program.

By signing below, I acknowledge that any application information submitted will be shared with the City of New Orleans as part of the eligibility and
financing process, but will not be shared publicly.

Program inquiries should be addressed to Hope Enterprise Corporation. For further information, contact: Hope Enterprise Corporation, 1726 O.C.
Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA, 70113. Tel: 504-585-2860. Fax: 504-527-0691. Email: ffri@hope-ec.org. Email your completed application
with exhibits to ffri@hope-ec.org. Applications can also faxed or mailed as paper copies.

CERTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION

I hereby certify on behalf of , the applicant organization, that the information submitted in this application
and/or its attachments is a true and accurate representation of the information requested by the Hope Enterprise Corporation, its successors,
assigns, agents and/or participants, that no relevant information has been deleted, modified in any way, or withheld and that Applicant understands
that it has a continuing obligation to amend and/or supplement the information provided in this application if any of the material facts represented
herein change prior to closing. I also authorize Hope Enterprise Corporation, its successors, assigns, agents and/or participants to obtain
information related to this loan request, including but not limited to, relevant financial or historical information about the applicant, its principals or
affiliates.

____________
BORROWER/APPLICANT:

_____________
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY

__________________________________ ______________________________
TITLE DATE

Page 4 of 4

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS FOR CITY OF NEW ORLEANS USE ONLY TRACKING NO.
RECEIVED BY FINANCE DEPT. ON:________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE FROM:
TO REVENUE ON:
PHONE
BY:
TAX CLEARANCE AUTHORIZATION TO TREASURY ON:
TO DIRECTOR ON:
BY:
BY:
COMPLETED & RECEIVED BY DEPT. FINANCE ON:
1300 Perdido St., Room4W07, New Orleans, LA 70112, Fax (504) 658-1570 DEPT. OF LAW RECEIVED ON: BY:

According to Section 2-8 of the Code of the City of New Orleans, Louisiana 1995, the City may not enter
into or make payments under a contract, grant or cooper ative end eavor agree ment with an y person,
corporation, or entity delinquent in City taxes. This form supplies the needed tax clearance. This
clearance is issued without prejudice to any tax liabilities discovered by audit.
Please refer to the instruction on the back of this form
Taxpayer Information
TYPE OF BUSINESS:

BUSINESS NAME: REAL ESTATE TAX NUMBER:

OWNER’S NAME:

BUSINESS ADDRESS:

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX NUMBER:

MAILING ADDRESS:

CONTACT TELEPHONE: SALES TAX/OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE
NUMBER:

FAX NUMBER:

E-MAIL ADDRESS: Name Of Contracting Department:

PRINT NAME: TITLE:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: DATE SIGNED:
I certify that I have the authority to execute this form with respect to the tax matters covered and that the above is true and
correct. The City of New Orleans is authorized to inspect and/or receive confidential tax information.

BUREAU OF REVENUE (Room 1W15) BUREAU OF TREASURY (Room 1W37)
This clearance covers Occupational License and This clearance covers Ad Valorem taxes for Real Estate
Sales/Use taxes. and Business Property taxes.
I HEREBY ASSERT THAT AFTER REV IEW OF T HE T AXPAYER’S I HEREBY ASSERT THAT AFTER REV IEW OF T HE T AXPAYER’S
RECORDS OF T HIS DA TE THAT T HE TAXPAYER IS NOT RECORDS OF T HIS DA TE THAT T HE TAXPAYER IS NOT
DELINQUENT IN ANY TAXES OWED TO THE CITY. DELINQUENT IN ANY TAXES OWED TO THE CITY.

_______________________________________ _______________ _____________________________________ _______________
COLLECTOR OF REVENUE DATE TREASURY CHIEF DATE

I attest that the taxpayer named above is not delinquent in any taxes owed to the city.

________________________________ ___________
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE DATE

INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE SIDE

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
TAX CLEARANCE AUTHORIZATION
1300 Perdido St., Room 4W07, New Orleans, LA 70112, Fax (504) 658-1570

INSTRUCTIONS
1. To complete this form, provide all of the information requested. Failure to fill in ALL information
requested will delay processing. If the form is not signed and dated, the form will not be
processed.

2. Complete, sign and date the authorization form and submit with FFRI Eligibility Application to:
Hope Enterprise Corporation, 1726 O.C. Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113
Phone: 504-585-2860, Fax: 504-527-0691
E-mail: ffri@hope-ec.org, Website: www.hope-ec.org

3. This form authorizes the City of New Orleans to inspect and/or receive your confidential tax
information.

4. This Tax Clearance Authorization will not be honored for any purpose other than contracting with
the City of New Orleans.

5. A separate Tax Clearance Authorization is required for each contract.

6. If you need additional information regarding this authorization, please call the Department of
Finance at (504) 658-1550, or e-mail purchasing@cityofno.com

7. The following requirements must be met in order for a Tax Clearance Authorization form to be
approved by the City of New Orleans. It is recommended that all outstanding tax and business
registration be completed prior to processing the form to expedite contract execution.

Real Estate/Personal Property Tax
o Businesses are required to be current in payment of all Real Estate Tax and Personal Property Tax.
o A business can visit the City of New Orleans’ website, www.cityofno.com at the Bureau of Treasury
webpage to pay outstanding Real Estate and Personal Property taxes due.
o A business can mail outstanding tax payments to City of New Orleans, Bureau of the Treasury 1300
Perdido St., Room 1W38, New Orleans, La. 70112.

Sales Tax/Occupational License
o All businesses are required to have a City of New Orleans Sales Tax number.
o If the business is located within Orleans Parish, an Occupational License is also required. If the
business is domiciled outside of Orleans Parish, a registration is required to be completed to obtain
a Revenue account number.
o If a business is not registered, a New Business Application must be completed. The application
can be found on the City of New Orleans’ website, www.cityofno.com, at the Bureau of Revenue
webpage. Under Online Revenue Documents, an application can be downloaded and returned
to the City of New Orleans, Bureau of Revenue, 1300 Perdido St., Room 1W15, New Orleans, LA
70112. Any questions may be forwarded to Revenue Administration, 658-1695 or 658-1666.
o Non-profit organizations must comply with the Occupational License requirements by completing
a New Business Application. The application can be found on the City of New Orleans’ website,
www.cityofno.com, at the Bureau of Revenue webpage. Under Online Revenue Documents, an
application can be downloaded and returned to the City of New Orleans, Bureau of Revenue,
1300 Perdido St., Room 1W15, New Orleans, LA 70112. Any questions may be forwarded to
Revenue Administration, 658-1695 or 658-1666.
o Once exempt status is confirmed for the non-profit organization, the organization is exempt from
Occupational License fees.

Tax Clearance Authorization
February 6, 2009

BUSINESS LOAN APPLICATION
BACKGROUND
Today’s date Date business started Form of business (check one)
___ For-Profit Corporation
Name of business ___ Sole Proprietorship
___ Partnership
___ Non-Profit Corporation
Street address ___ Mutual or Cooperative Corporation

City County How did you learn about HOPE?

State Zip code

Phone number Fax number Federal tax ID num. (incorporated) or social security num. (not incorporated)
( ) ( )
Contact person Cellular phone or pager (circle) Home telephone
( ) ( )
Briefly describe business

Business owner(s):
Name Address Social Security Number Ownership Interest Percentage

LOAN REQUESTED
Amount requested # of employees before loan Projected # of employees 1 year after loan

Proposed use of loan proceeds (be specific-attach separate sheet, if necessary)

Proposed repayment schedule and source(s) of repayment

Possible co-maker(s) and/or guarantor(s) for loan request (provide name, address and phone number)

PLEASE COMPLETE THE REVERSE SIDE

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Collateral available to secure loan (be specific-attach separate sheet, if necessary; provide description, value, and source of valuation)

Address(es) of collateral (be specific-attach separate sheet, if necessary)

Please submit the following items with this loan application:
• Financial Statements and/or Federal Tax Returns for Last Three (3) Years • Personal Financial Statements of Owners, Co-Makers and Guarantors
(include balance sheets and income statements) • Business Plan (including projected balance sheets and income statements)
• Interim Financial Statements dated within Ninety (90) days of application • Management Resumes
• Aging of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable • Primary Customer and Supplier References (3 of each)
• Business Notes and Lease Payable Schedule (include lender, original amount, • Articles of Incorporation
terms and rates, remaining balance, collateral) • Corporate or Partnership Resolutions to Borrow

Please send this application form and the materials described above to a Commercial Loan Officer at the HOPE office nearest you.

Headquarters: Local Office:
Name
Hope Enterprise Corporation and Hope Federal Credit Union Hope Enterprise Corporation and Hope Federal Credit Union
4 Old River Place, Suite A Street
Jackson, MS 39202-3434 City, State Zip
Phone: 601-944-1100 Phone:
Fax: 601-944-0808 Fax:
Cell:

The undersigned hereby certifies that the information contained in this application and related materials are true and correct. The undersigned
hereby further certifies that the proceeds of any loan made as a result of this application will be used for legal business purposes only, and will not
be used for personal or consumer purposes. The undersigned hereby affirms that he/she does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex,
handicap, sexual preference or marital status. The undersigned hereby acknowledges that (1) no commercial loan officer has the authority to
commit Hope Enterprise Corporation and/or Hope Federal Credit Union (HOPE) to any loan without prior approval by HOPE’s loan committee and
(2) any loan commitment must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of HOPE. The undersigned hereby affirms that HOPE is
authorized to request credit information on the business(es), principal(s), co-maker(s) and guarantor(s) listed herein.

Business Name:
By:
Title:
Date:

Guarantor’s Name: Spouse’s Name:
Signature: Signature:
Date: Date:

Please include any additional Guarantor names and signatures below or include them on a separate attached sheet as required.

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