Ch. 120                                    1995 LAWS OF MARYLAND

5-604.

(a)     To obtain fixed asset financing assisted by a linked deposit under the
provisions of this subtitle, an eligible business shall apply to a lender for fixed asset
financing of not more than $500,000.

(b)     In addition to the information required by the lender as part of its standard
loan application procedure, the applicant shall provide to the lender, in a form prescribed
by the Department:

(1)     A certification, with supporting documentation, that the applicant is an
eligible business; and

(2)     A description of the number and kinds of jobs to be created or retained
by the loan received from the linked deposit.

(c)     (1) On approval of a loan application the lender shall forward to the
Department a linked deposit loan package with the information required under this
subtitle and in a form prescribed by the Department.

(2) In addition to any other information reasonably required by the
Department to carry out the purposes of this subtitle, the linked deposit loan package
shall include the information required of the applicant under subsection (b) of this
section.

5-605.

In determining whether to accept a linked deposit loan package, the Department
shall:

(1)     Confirm the eligibility of the applicant; and

(2)     Consider and weigh:

(i) The number and kind of jobs to be created or retained as a result
of providing the linked deposit;

(ii) The amount of the loan;

(iii) The amount of money in the Fund not committed to linked
deposits;

(iv) Whether the availability of linked deposit financing is essential for
the economic feasibility of the acquisition to be made;

(v)     The economic needs of the area in which the business is located;

(vi)   The financial feasibility of the loan to be made; and

(vii)   Any other factors that the Department considers relevant.

5-606.

(a) If the Department accepts a linked deposit loan package from a lender, the
Department and the lender shall enter into a deposit agreement under which:

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