SBA Form 2183 Funds Exhibits

OMB Approval No. 3245-0062
Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

409 3rd St., SW • Washington, DC 20416 • (202) 205-6510

THE SBIC PROGRAM
Licensing Application Exhibits
Form 2183: Fund Exhibits
Name of Applicant:

Enter Applicant Name

This form should be completed only by SBIC license applicants that have previously filed a Management
Assessment Questionnaire (SBA Form 2181 and 2182) with SBA, and been invited by SBA to file a license
application.
The estimated burden for completing this form, including all exhibits, is 85 hours per response. You are
not required to respond to any collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
approval number. Comments on the burden should be sent to the US Small Business Administration,
Chief, Administrative Information Branch, Washington, DC 20416 and Desk Officer for the Small Business
Administration, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 10202,
Washington, DC 20503. OMB Approval 3245-0062.
Please do not send forms to OMB. Refer to Instructions for information on how and where to submit
the requested information.

SBA Form 2183 (07-13) Previous editions obsolete

1 of 48

Table of Contents
Table of Contents................................................................................................................................................... 2
Notices Required by Law ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Declaration of Principals and Control Persons ....................................................................................................... 5
Exhibit K.

Capital Certificate .............................................................................................................................. 7

Exhibit L.

Transferor’s Liability Contract ......................................................................................................... 26

Exhibit M.

Declaration of Significant Investors ................................................................................................. 30

Exhibit N.

Offering Memoranda & Other Documents ...................................................................................... 31

Exhibit O.

Organizational Documents of Applicant .......................................................................................... 32

Exhibit P.

Opinions of Counsel ........................................................................................................................ 33

Exhibit Q.

Management Services & Other Agreements.................................................................................... 35

Exhibit R.

Bank Letter & Third Party Debt ....................................................................................................... 36

Exhibit S.

Legal Documentation Certification .................................................................................................. 38

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet................................................................................................................... 39

2 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Notices Required by Law
The following is a brief summary of the laws applicable to this collection of information.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)
Purpose for Collecting Information:
The information requested in Exhibits to the Small Business Investment Company Management
Assessment Questionnaire (Exhibits A to F) and License Application (Exhibits A to J) (“Exhibits”) will be
used in connection with an investigation of your experience and character. The scope of this
investigation may include contact with banks, other financial institutions, individuals, business
associates, law enforcement offices (including the Federal Bureau of Investigation), and any others that
will assist SBA in making an adequate appraisal of your general business reputation and character. SBA
may also use the information to assist in obtaining credit bureau reports, including consumer credit
reports and scores on the principals of the SBIC applicant, for the purpose of determining whether to
approve a principal’s participation in the SBIC program.
If information provided to SBA indicates a violation or potential violation of law, whether civil, criminal,
or administrative in nature, SBA may refer it to the appropriate agency, whether Federal, State, local or
foreign, charged with responsibility for or otherwise involved in investigation, prosecution, enforcement
or prevention of such violations.
Personal information [Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a]
Any person can request to see or get copies of any personal information that is maintained by SBA.
However, requests for information about another individual may be denied unless SBA has the written
permission of the individual to release the information to the requestor or unless the information is
subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
Generally, you are not required to provide your social security number and the failure to provide your
social security number generally may not affect any right, benefit or privilege to which you are entitled.
However, the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7701(c)(1)) requires a Federal agency
to obtain the taxpayer identification number (TIN) from each person doing business with that agency.).
Therefore, it is mandatory that you furnish your TIN to the SBA as part of your licensing application.
Additionally, disclosure of your name and other personal information requested is mandatory. SBA is
required under Section 301(c)(3) of the Small Business Investment Act, 15 U.S.C. 681(c)(3), to consider
the general business reputation of certain key individuals in order to make a determination about
whether each individual has the business experience and character necessary to participate in the SBIC
program. Your social security number and other personal identifiers assist SBA in making these
determinations required by law. If you do not provide this information, SBA will be unable to reach a
favorable determination concerning your participation in the SBIC program.

3

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (5 U.S.C. 552)
This law provides, with some exceptions, that we must make records or portions of records contained in
our files available to persons requesting them. This generally includes aggregate statistical information
on the SBIC program and other information such as names of licensed SBICs and names of companies
that have been financed by SBICs. We do not routinely make available to third parties your proprietary
data or information that would cause competitive harm or would constitute a clearly unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy. We note that Exemptions, 4, 6 and 8 of the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) allow SBA to withhold financial data on individual companies.
To request information under FOIA, you must send the request to the SBA office maintaining the records
requested or the Chief, FOI/PA Office, 409 3rd Street, SW, Washington, DC 20416, or by e-mail to
foia@sba.gov, and identify it as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The request must
describe the specific records you want.

4

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Declaration of Principals and Control Persons
Name of Applicant:

Enter Name of Applicant

Instructions & Applicability
1) Be sure to fill-in the Name of the Applicant above.
2) This declaration is to be signed with the submission of an SBIC License Application (not with the
submission of a Management Assessment Questionnaire).
3) If any new principals (as defined in the application instructions) or Control Persons (as defined in
13 CFR §107.50) are added to the firm after submitting your initial license Application, a
declaration signed by the new principal or Control Person must be submitted to SBA.
4) If a new principal or new Control Person is to be added to the SBIC after it is licensed, a
declaration signed by the new principal or Control Person must be submitted to SBA.

Declaration
1. We constitute all of the principals and Control Persons of the applicant and we certify that all
information submitted in connection with SBA Forms 2181, 2182 and 2183 is true and correct to the
best of the knowledge of each one of us. We also certify that we are submitting this information for the
purpose of obtaining a license to operate as, or approval of a change in the ownership or management
of, a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC). We agree that all statements made in connection with
the SBA Forms 2181, 2182 and 2183 are considered material for the purpose of inducing the SBA to
issue a license, approve the management and ownership of the applicant, and to disburse SBA funds in
reliance on such statements.
2. If this Application is approved, we will operate the SBIC in full conformity with the Small Business
Investment Act of 1958, as amended, and SBA regulations. We understand that if a license is granted on
the basis of this Application, this Application will become an agreement with the SBA within the
meaning of 13 CFR 107.507. Accordingly, nonperformance is a violation of Section 107.507.
3. We understand that knowingly making a false statement in connection with this Application is a
violation of Federal law and is subject to criminal prosecution and civil penalties under 18 USC 287, 371,
1001, 1006 and 1014, including fines of up to $1 million and up to 30 years imprisonment; 15 USC 645
and 687(f);civil penalties under 31 USC 3729; government-wide disbarment or suspension; and denial,
suspension, or revocation of a small business investment company license.
4. We have not used and will not use, directly or indirectly, any funds advanced by any SBIC or any New
Markets Venture Capital (NMVC) company to any small business concern, or any funds available as a
result of funds advanced by an SBIC or NMVC company to a small business concern, to purchase any
securities of the SBIC or to repay any obligation incurred in connection with the purchase of any
securities of the SBIC.
5

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits
Name of Applicant
By (entity authorized to sign on
behalf of Applicant, e.g., general
partner)
By (signature of person
authorized to sign)
Title

Date

INDIVIDUAL EXECUTION BY EACH PRINCIPAL AND EACH CONTROL PERSON
Signature
Printed Name
Title

Date

Click here to
enter a date.

Date

Click here to
enter a date.

Date

Click here to
enter a date.

Date

Click here to
enter a date.

Signature
Printed Name
Title

Signature
Printed Name
Title

Signature
Printed Name
Title

6

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate
Name of Applicant:

Enter Applicant Name

Date of this Certificate:

Click here to enter a date.

Applicant’s Leverageable Capital1:

$$

Applicant’s Regulatory Capital2:

$$

Applicant’s Regulatory Capital Adjusted to
Determine Management Fees3:

$$

Applicant’s Regulatory Capital Adjusted to
Determine Overline Limit4:

$$

General Instructions
a. As used in the Capital Certificate, “Applicant” means the applicant for a license as an SBIC or an
existing SBIC licensee, as applicable.
b. For limited partnerships, the Capital Certificate must be signed by the general partner. If the
general partner is an entity general partner, a manager or managing member of the general
partner must sign the Capital Certificate. If the general partner is itself a limited partnership,
then the Capital Certificate must be signed by its general partner or the manager or managing
member of that general partner.
c. For limited liability companies, the Capital Certificate must be signed by an authorized managing
member, manager or officer.
d. For corporations, the Capital Certificate must be signed by the authorized senior executive
officer, the Chairman, President, CEO, CFO, COO, Vice President, or Treasurer.
e. Applicants that are “drop-down funds”, i.e., funded by one or more parent venture funds,
should refer to the Addendum A for further instructions on completing this Capital Certificate.
f.

Do not let any table break across a page unless its length exceeds a page in length.

g. Prior to submission, enter the name of the applicant and select the date of submission using the
space provided in the header of this page.

1

13 CFR 107.50 contains the definition of “Leverageable Capital”
13 CFR 107.50 contains the definition of “Regulatory Capital”
3
SBIC Tech Notes 7 (December 2000) and 7A (December 2003) provide for management fees during an SBIC’s
initial investment period based on Regulatory Capital that is “unreduced” by certain permitted distributions. Refer
to the applicable Tech Note for details.
4
13 CFR 107.740 contains the methodology for making this calculation
2

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

7 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Instructions during the License Application Process
You must submit a signed Capital Certificate with your license application showing that the minimum
Regulatory Capital requirement has been met. Before the application is presented to the Agency
licensing committee, you must submit an updated Capital Certificate that meets the minimum
Leverageable Capital requirements and shows that you have sufficient Regulatory Capital to carry out
your business plan.
Instructions after the Applicant has been Licensed
A current signed Capital Certificate must be on file with SBA at the time you apply for an SBA Leverage
commitment and at the time that you apply to draw down Leverage.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

8 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Representations and Warranties
AS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (“SBA”) TO ISSUE THE
APPLICANT A LICENSE AS A SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANY AND/OR TO PROVIDE SBA
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THE APPLICANT HEREBY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS TO AND COVENANTS
AND AGREES WITH SBA AS FOLLOWS:
1. Investors5. The attached Tables 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D state:
a. the name and address of each investor of Applicant (including the Applicant’s general partner(s)
for limited partnerships, but excluding the SBA, its agents, trustees or representatives);
b. the amount of each investor’s total capital commitment to Applicant (“Capital Commitment”);
c. the amount of each investor’s Capital Commitment which has been paid to Applicant in cash6
(“Paid-In Capital”) on or before the date hereof; and
d. the unpaid balance of each investor’s Capital Commitment (“Unfunded Commitment”).
2. Institutional Investor Status. Tables 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D further specify:
a. whether each investor is an Entity Institutional Investor, an Individual Institutional Investor or an
Other Investor7;
b. for each investor designated as an Entity or Individual Institutional Investor, the subsection of
the definition of Institutional Investor in 13 CFR §107.50 under which such investor qualifies as
an Institutional Investor; and
c. for each investor designated as an Entity Institutional Investor, the type of entity.
3. Representations and Warranties of Institutional Investors. Each investor listed as an Institutional
Investor whose unfunded commitment is included in Regulatory Capital has represented and
warranted to, and agreed with, the Applicant that, with respect to such investor:
a. it meets the criteria for qualifying as an Institutional Investor under that subsection of the
definition of Institutional Investor (see 13 CFR §107.50) designated in Tables 1A, 1B and 1D; See
Addendum A for information on the use of dual commitments.
b. if such investor has a net worth of less than $10 million, (i) its Unfunded Commitment does not
exceed ten percent (10%) of its net worth or (ii) if its Unfunded Commitment exceeds 10%, SBA
has approved an unconditional, irrevocable letter of credit for the term of the commitment to
be issued by a state or national bank in favor of Applicant, in an amount not less than such

5

Refer to Addendum A for information and instructions on the use of dual commitments.
Non-cash contributions will not be accepted without the prior written approval of the SBA.
7
13 CFR §107.50 contains a definition of “Institutional Investor”.
6

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

9 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

investor’s Unfunded Commitment, a signed copy of which letter of credit has been supplied to
SBA, and the required information concerning such letter of credit is listed in Table 3;8
c. until all of its Capital Commitment has been paid, such investor will notify Applicant promptly of
any change that causes the information in Tables 1A through 1I or in this Section 3 concerning
such investor to be incorrect;
d. its Capital Commitment constitutes Private Capital (as defined in 13 CFR §107.230), and except
as specified in Table 1H, no part of such Capital Commitment constitutes Qualified Nonprivate
Funds (as defined in 13 CFR §107.230(d)); and
e. if the investor is an individual, such investor is a permanent resident of the United States or has,
in writing, irrevocably appointed the person or entity specified on Table 2 as such investor’s
agent for service of process, or
f.

if the investor is an entity, such investor is qualified to do business and maintains a place of
business in one or more states of the United States, the District of Columbia or U.S. possessions
or has in writing, irrevocably appointed the person or entity specified on Table 2 as such
investor’s agent for service of process.

4. Individual Institutional Investors. For each investor listed in Table 1B or 1D as an Institutional
Investor pursuant to subsection 2(i)(A) of the definition of Institutional Investor, SBA has approved
an unconditional irrevocable letter of credit to be issued by a state or national bank in favor of
Applicant, in an amount not less than such investor’s Unfunded Commitment, a signed copy of
which letter of credit has been delivered to SBA and the required information concerning such letter
of credit listed on Table 3).
5. Diversity Investors. Each investor whose name is followed by “Y” in the column headed “Diversity
Investor” in Tables 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D qualifies as a diversity investor for purposes of the
Management and Ownership Diversity requirement (13 CFR §107.150(b))9. Table 1F lists the
amount and percentage of Applicant’s Regulatory Capital and Leverageable Capital, respectively,
that consists of the capital committed and/or contributed by such diversity investors.
6. Qualified Non-private Funds. Table 1H shows Applicant’s “Qualified Non-private Funds” (as defined
in 13 CFR §107.230(d)) and the ratio of such Qualified Non-private Funds to Applicant’s Regulatory
Capital.
8

For individuals, “net worth” does not include the value of any equity in his/her most valuable residence. For
entities described in subsection 1(v) or 1(vi) of the definition of Institutional Investor in 13 CFR §107.50, “net
worth” means net assets available for benefits. If an investor with a net worth of more than $10 million makes a
significant investment in the Applicant, SBA may require additional financial information concerning such investor
in order to include such investor’s unfunded commitment as part of the Applicant’s Regulatory Capital.
9

If you are unsure or otherwise do not wish to certify that an investor is a “diversity investor”, place an “N/A” in
the column headed “Diversity Investor”. See 13 CFR §107.150(b).

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

10 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

7. Associate Investors. Table 1I shows all of Applicant’s investors that are Associates of Applicant (as
defined in 13 CFR §107.50), and Table 1J shows persons who are investors and who may be affiliates
of one another.
8. Guarantees. For each investor listed in Table 1A or Table 1B as an Institutional Investor through the
approved use of a guarantee agreement, SBA has approved the guarantee agreement (a signed copy
must be submitted to SBA if the amount of the Unfunded Commitment is to be included as part of
Regulatory Capital). Note that guarantees are only permitted in certain specifically defined
situations. See Addendum A for information on the use of guarantee agreements.
9. Investor’s Payment Covenant. Each investor must pay its Unfunded Commitment to Applicant at
the times and in the amounts specified in documents approved by SBA (“Investor’s Payment
Covenant”), subject only to those conditions permitting a withdrawal: (i) if Applicant is a limited
partnership, in Applicant’s Partnership Agreement (including, if applicable any SBA Annex), (ii) if
Applicant is a corporation, in its articles of incorporation, or (iii) if Applicant is a limited liability
company, in its operating agreement, provided each such document has been approved by SBA
(“Organizational Document”). Each investor has represented to Applicant that such Investor’s
Payment Covenant has been duly authorized and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such
investor (except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
moratorium laws or other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally).
10. Changes in Investor’s Payment Covenant. Without the prior written approval of SBA, Applicant
shall not release, amend, extend, compromise, cancel, forgive or otherwise waive any Investor’s
Payment Covenant or Applicant’s right to receive payment when due of any investor’s Unfunded
Commitment, other than as provided in Applicant’s Organizational Documents.
11. Pre-Licensing Investments. Applicant has made “approved pre-licensing investments” in the
Portfolio Concerns on the dates and in the amounts (stated at their cost) set forth in Table 5. As
used in Table 5, the column headed “Additional Obligation” means Applicant’s unfunded binding
commitment to provide additional financing to the Portfolio Concern, which amount was included in
the approval received from SBA, but does not qualify as Leverageable Capital and which amount
should be listed in Table 5. (After Applicant receives its license, Table 5 does not need to be
completed for subsequent Capital Certificates.)
12. Changes in Regulatory Capital. Applicant certifies that Table 1G reflects all changes in its Regulatory
Capital since the date on which Applicant filed with SBA its application for an SBIC license.
13. Management Fees. Applicant certifies that Table 1L indicates the date, if any, it began drawing a
management fee based upon an assumed use of Leverage greater than Combined Capital for
purposes of establishing the five year period that management fees may be computed based on
assumed Leverage (If the management fee is not computed on the basis of assumed Leverage use,
insert N/A in Table 1L.) (See SBIC Tech Note No. 7A, revised April 2008.)

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

11 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

14. Changes in Capital Certificate. Applicant shall notify SBA promptly if Applicant learns that any
information contained in this Certificate (including the Tables attached to this Certificate) is
incorrect or incomplete or if any investor fails to pay, when due, any required payment of such
investor’s Unfunded Commitment or if any investor notifies Applicant that it will not pay its
Unfunded Commitment or otherwise desires to withdraw from Applicant. Applicant shall also notify
SBA promptly if any letter of credit or guarantee agreement provided by an investor to Applicant
expires, ceases to be in full force and effect, or is modified, renewed or replaced; and if such letter
of credit is renewed or replaced, Applicant shall give SBA a copy of such renewal or replacement
letter of credit.
15. Criminal Prosecution. Applicant acknowledges that any intentionally false statement or willful
misrepresentation contained in this certificate is a violation of Federal law and is subject to criminal
prosecution under 18 USC §§287, 371, 1001, 1006, and 1014; 15 USC §645;civil penalties under
31 USC §3729; government-wide debarment or suspension; and denial, suspension, or revocation of
a Small Business Investment Company license.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Capital Certificate as of the
date set forth above.
Name of Applicant:
By (Typed Name):
Title10:

Signature:

Date

Click here to
enter a date.

10

Indicate the position of the signatory (e.g. specific officer or manager title), the entity for which the signatory is
signing and its relationship to the Applicant.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

12 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Capital Certificate Tables
Table 1A – Entity Institutional Investors
Type of
Entity
&
12
Name & Address
Qualifying
Subsection

11

“X” if this is a Drop-Down Fund 
Paid-In
Capital

Unfunded
Commitment

Capital
Commitment

Diversity
Investor
(Y / N)

Totals

Table 1B – Individual Institutional Investors
Name & Address

13

Qualifying
Subsection

Paid-In
Capital

“X” if this is a Drop-Down Fund 
Diversity
Unfunded
Capital
Investor
Commitment
Commitment
(Y / N)

Totals

11

Trusts and IRAs are entities, not individuals, and trusts must be tax-exempt to qualify under subsection 1(vii).
Any investor seeking to qualify as an Institutional Investor under subsection 1(xi) must obtain SBA’s prior approval.
12
Entity investors must list their business addresses. P.O. boxes are not acceptable addresses.
13
Individual investors must list their primary residence. P.O. boxes are not acceptable addresses.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

13 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Table 1C – Other Investors

Name & Address

15

14

Type (e.g.,
individual,
LLC)

“X” if this is a Drop-Down Fund 
Paid-In
Capital

Unfunded
Commitment

Capital
Commitment

Diversity
Investor
(Y/N)

Enter
“X” if
Parent
Fund

Totals

Name & Address

Primary Investor #1 – list in brackets

16

Type of
Entity for
Primary
Investor &
Type of
Entity and
Qualifying
Subsection
for Backup
Investor

“X” if this is a Drop-Down Fund 

Paid-In
Capital

Unfunded
Commitment

Capital
Commitment

[$ in
brackets]

[$ in
brackets]

[$ in
brackets]

[$ in
brackets]

[$ in
brackets]

[$ in
brackets]

Diversity Investor (Y / N)

Table 1D – Dual Commitments

Back-up Investor(s)
Primary Investor #2 – list in brackets
Back-up Investor(s)
Primary Investor #2 – list in brackets
Back-up Investor(s)

14

Any Investor that does not meet the criteria for an Institutional Investor (see 13 CFR §107.50) is considered an
Other Investor for purposes of this Capital Certificate.
15
Individuals must list their primary residence and entity investors must list their business address. P.O. boxes are
not acceptable addresses.
16
An investor that plans on utilizing a dual commitment must refer to Addendum A for information and
instructions on the use of dual commitments.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

14 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Table 1D – Dual Commitments

Name & Address

16

Type of
Entity for
Primary
Investor &
Type of
Entity and
Qualifying
Subsection
for Backup
Investor

“X” if this is a Drop-Down Fund 

Paid-In
Capital

Unfunded
Commitment

Diversity Investor (Y / N)

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Capital
Commitment

TOTALS [Add only amounts that are not in brackets]

Table 1E –Investor Commitments to Parent Fund (for Drop-Down SBICs only)
Unfunded
Paid-In to
Names of Investors
Commitment
Parent
Total Commitment
to Parent
Entity Institutional Investors (From Table 1A)

Individual Institutional Investors (from Table 1B)

Dual Commitments (primary investors from Table
1D)

Other Investors (from Table 1C)

Investor Totals

Table 1F – Investor Diversity Summary
Type of Capital

17

Total Amount

Diversity Amount

Diversity %

Regulatory Capital
Leverageable Capital
17

The Management Ownership Diversity requirement applies to both Regulatory Capital and Leverageable Capital.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

15 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Date

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Beginning
Regulatory
Capital

Table 1G – Changes in Regulatory Capital
Decrease
Decrease
Pursuant to
Pursuant to
Amount of
Increase
13 CFR
13 CFR
§107.585
§107.1570(b)

Other
Decreases

18

Ending
Regulatory
Capital

Table 1H – Qualified Non-private Funds
Name of Investor
(from Table 1A, 1B or 1C)

Capital
Commitment

Qualified Non-private
Funds Whose Source is
Federal Funds

Qualified Non-private
Funds Whose Source is
State or Local Gov’t.
Funds

Totals
Non-Federal Qualified Non-private Funds ÷ Regulatory Capital

%

Table 1I –Associates of Applicant
Name of Investor

Describe Relationship to Applicant

Applicable Subsection of
Definition of Associate

Table 1J – Investor Affiliates
18

Any decreases in Regulatory Capital require SBA approval.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

16 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits
Name of Investor#1

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)
Name of Investor #2

Describe Relationship Between Investors

17 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

USE OF TABLE 1K
(a) Identify each entity and individual who, directly or indirectly, (1) owns 10% or more of the equity
interests of the Applicant, (2) is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the equity interests of the
Applicant, or (3) controls 10% or more of the equity interests of the Applicant, hereinafter referred to as
a “10% Investors”.
(b) For purposes of identifying a 10% Investor, the equity interests of all affiliates must be aggregated
(c) For any 10% Investor that is an entity, identify all of the owners of that 10% Investor except that all
individual owners of less than 10% can be aggregated and identified as shown in the example below.
Continue identifying all of the owners of any entity owner until individual owners have been identified.
(Note that you multiply the percentage in the current column by the percentage in the preceding
column to determine if the result is 10% or more.)
(d) See the example below and delete the example, whether or not the table is utilized.

Level 1 – SBIC 10% Investors

Table 1K – 10% Investors
Level 2 – Owners of SBIC 10%
Investors
High & Wide Investments 50%

Bermuda Triangle Holdings 40%

William Davis Trust, Robert
Johnson, Trustee 15%
Remainder = 45%, 10 individuals
and 5 entities, each with 8% or less.

Level 3 – Indirect Equity Holder % of Level 2 / % of SBIC
Fred Jones 50%
Steve Brown 50%

John Smith 30%
Remainder = 20%, 10 Individuals each
with less than 5%
William Davis II, beneficiary 100%

Table 1L –Management Fees
Date on which Applicant began drawing Management Fee based upon assumed use
of Leverage (if not applicable, insert N/A)

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

18 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)
19

Table 2 – Investors Who Are Not Permanent Residents of the United States
Name & Address of U.S. Agent
Name & Address of Non-Resident Investor
for Service of Process

Table 3 – Approved Letters of Credit
Unfunded
Amount of
Issuing Institution
Commitment
Letter of Credit

Name of Investor

Expiration
Date

Totals

Table 4 – Conditions to Exercise of Right to Receive Unfunded Commitments
[if no conditions, insert “None”]

Table 5 – Approved Pre-Licensing Investments

Name of Portfolio Concern

Date(s) of
Investment(s)

Cash
Invested

Additional
Obligations

Cash
Investment +
Additional
Obligations

Totals

19

For individuals, permanent residents of the United States means a lawful permanent resident of the United
States under the immigration laws. For entities, permanent resident of the United States means an entity qualified
to do business and maintaining a place of business in one or more states of the United States, the District of
Columbia or U.S. Territories.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

19 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Addendum A: Guarantees and Dual Commitments
NOTES ON THE USE OF GUARANTEES AND DUAL COMMITMENTS
In certain limited situations, SBA will allow an Applicant to use a guarantee and/or a dual commitment
arrangement so the Applicant can include in its Regulatory Capital the Commitments of non-Institutional
Investors. The circumstances under which SBA will permit the use of a guarantee and the requirements
for using a guarantee are described in Section I below. The circumstances under which SBA will permit
the use of the dual commitment arrangement and the requirements for a dual commitment are
described in Section II below.
1. Guarantees for IRAs, Keoghs, Family Trusts and Family Investment Partnerships
An IRA, Keogh, family trust or family investment partnership that does not qualify as an Entity
Institutional Investor may use a guarantee to have its Commitment included as part of Regulatory
Capital. Adverse tax consequences may result for the IRA or Keogh, however, so SBICs and investors are
cautioned to consult with legal counsel before using a guarantee in this situation.
How Does it Work. The IRA, Keogh, family trust or family investment partnership obtains a guarantee
from an Institutional Investor for the full amount of its Unfunded Commitment. For example, for IRAs
and Keoghs, if the individual who created the retirement account qualifies as an Institutional Investor,
that individual can guarantee the full amount of the Unfunded Commitment of the IRA or Keogh to the
Applicant. If the amount of the Unfunded Commitment is to be included in Regulatory Capital, the
guarantee must be in the form approved by SBA (request a copy by sending an email to sbic@sba.gov)
and the guarantee must be executed and a copy submitted to SBA before the licensing approval process
can be finalized. SBA regulations limit the size of an unfunded commitment that can be guaranteed by
an Institutional Investor with net worth of less than $10 million (see 13 CFR §107.230(b)(4) and
paragraph (2)(i)(B) of the Institutional Investor definition).
How is this Reflected on the Capital Certificate. The IRA, Keogh, family trust or family investment
partnership is listed on the Capital Certificate as an Entity Institutional Investor under subsection 1(xi),
followed by a footnote describing the guarantee arrangement and the name of the guarantor and the
clause of the Institutional Investor definition of 13 CFR §107.50 under which the guarantor qualifies as
an Institutional Investor.
2. Dual Commitments
How Does it Work. The “dual commitment” arrangement works by having one or more Institutional
Investors (“back-up investor”) make a Capital Commitment to the Applicant identical to that made by
the non-Institutional Investor (“primary investor”). When a capital call is made, the back-up investor is
excused from funding its Unfunded Commitment to the extent the primary investor funds its own
Unfunded Commitment on a timely basis. Both the primary investor and the back-up investor are
limited partners or members, as applicable, and must sign the Applicant’s limited partnership agreement
or operating agreement as limited partners or members, as applicable. In addition, both the primary
investor and the back-up investor must be listed as investors in Table 1D of the Capital Certificate and in

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

20 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

the schedule of partners attached to the limited partnership agreement. The same limitations
applicable to guarantees by Institutional Investors with net worth of less than $10 million also apply to
dual commitments.
When more than one Institutional Investor is serving as a back-up investor, each such Institutional
Investor may make a Capital Commitment that is equal to only a proportionate amount of the primary
investor’s Capital Commitment, so long as the total of all Capital Commitments of such Institutional
Investors equals 100% of the primary investor’s Capital Commitment. Each Institutional Investor serving
as a back-up investor must be listed on the Capital Certificate and the schedule of partners/members
attached to the limited partnership agreement or member agreement in the case of limited liability
companies with a designation as to the proportionate share for which each such Institutional Investor is
obligated.
The suggested footnote language below can be used on the signature pages and the schedule of
partners/members to clarify the dual commitment arrangement.
If [Primary Investor] makes a cash Capital Contribution to the Partnership, then
simultaneously with such cash Capital Contribution, the Capital Commitment of [Back-up
Investor] shall be reduced in an amount equal to that cash Capital Contribution and the
Capital Contribution required to be made by [Back-up Investor] at the time shall be
reduced by the same amount.
How is this Reflected on the Capital Certificate. The primary investor and each back-up investor are listed
on the Capital Certificate on Table 1D. Each back-up investor must indicate the amount of the primary
investor’s Capital Commitment for which it is obligated and the appropriate subsection of the definition
of Institutional Investor under which it is qualified.
Applicants and their counsel should note that neither the guarantee nor the dual commitment
approach automatically qualifies Unfunded Commitments from investors that do not qualify as
Institutional Investors as part of Regulatory Capital, and in every instance, a guarantee and/or dual
commitment arrangement is subject to SBA’s approval.
CAPITAL CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION FOR DROP-DOWN FUNDS
Applicants that are “drop-down funds” (i.e., funded by one or more parent investment funds) should use
the standard Capital Certificate, following these presentation guidelines:
1. SBA requires each parent fund to be a primary investor in the Applicant (“Class A investor”) and
each parent fund’s investors to become stand-by investors (“Class B investors”) in the Applicant,
except as noted below in item 3.
2. The names and addresses of all the Applicant’s Class B investors, along with their respective capital
commitments, paid-in capital and unfunded commitments (all three amounts at the Applicant level,
not at the parent level), must be listed in Table 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, as appropriate. The amount in the
“Paid-in Capital” column will increase as either the Class A investor contributes capital to the

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

21 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Applicant or the Class B investor contributes capital directly to the Applicant, thereby reducing the
amount in the “Unfunded Commitment” column.
3. A Class A investor is typically not considered an Institutional Investor and should be listed as an
“Other Investor” in Table 1C. The amounts in the “Capital Commitment”, “Paid-in Capital”, and
“Unfunded Commitment” columns should all be shown in brackets and should not be included in
the totals for Table 1C. In rare cases, SBA has determined that Class B commitments are not
required if a parent fund qualifies as an Institutional Investor in its own right and has ample liquid
assets available to fund its commitment to the Applicant, so that there is no doubt regarding the
collectability of the commitment. In this case, the parent fund should be listed as an Entity
Institutional Investor in Table 1A, its commitment should not be bracketed, and no Class B investors
will be listed on the Capital Certificate. The same presentation applies if the parent fund is a publicly
traded Business Development Company; for a BDC, see also the guidance on capitalization in SBIC
Tech Note #13, particularly the criteria that SBA will apply in determining the extent to which a
parent BDC’s Unfunded Commitment to the Applicant can be included in Regulatory Capital).
4. The capital commitments made by the Applicant’s Class B investors at the parent fund level should
be shown on the Capital Certificate in Table 1E.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

22 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Addendum B: Definitions for Reference Only
Please note that this addendum is for convenience only. It does not constitute a part of the capital
certificate contract. In the event that there are discrepancies between definitions of terms in the capital
certificate and this page, the definitions within the capital certificate prevail.
APPLICANT means the applicant for a license as an SBIC or an existing SBIC licensee, as applicable.
CAPITAL COMMITMENT is the amount of each investor’s total capital commitment to Applicant.
COMBINED CAPITAL means the sum of Regulatory Capital and outstanding Leverage.
DIVERSITY INVESTOR is a person or entity who meets the requirements of Management and Ownership
Diversity as found in 13 CFR §107.150(b).
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR means the definition as found in 13 CFR §107.50.
INVESTOR’S PAYMENT COVENANT means the obligation of each investor to pay its Unfunded
Commitment to Applicant at the times and in the amounts specified in Applicant’s Organizational
Documents.
LEVERAGEABLE CAPITAL means the definition as found in 13 CFR §107.50.
ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENT means: (i) if Applicant is a limited partnership, its Partnership
Agreement (including, if applicable any SBA Annex), (ii) if Applicant is a corporation, its articles of
incorporation, or (iii) if Applicant is a limited liability company, its operating agreement, as approved by
SBA.
OVERLINE LIMIT is a calculation derived according to the methodology found in 13 CFR §107.740.
PAID IN CAPITAL means the amount of each investor’s Capital Commitment which has been paid to
Applicant in cash on or before the date hereof including the Unfunded Commitment. (Non cash
contributions will not be accepted without the prior written approval of the SBA.)
QUALIFIED NON-PRIVATE FUNDS has the meaning as defined in 13 CFR §107.230(d).
REGULATORY CAPITAL means the definition as found in 13 CFR §107.50.
UNFUNDED COMMITMENT means the unpaid balance of each investor’s Capital Commitment.

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

23 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Addendum C: Sample Acceptable Commitment Letters
Instructions
It is not necessary to use the forms in this Addendum 3. They have been acceptable to the SBA and are
presented for your convenience.
ENTITY (including trusts) form of commitment letter

[Name and Address of Fund]
[Date]
Dear Mr. _____________:
This confirms the intention of _____________ (“Investor”) to invest $__________ as a limited partner in
__________________ (the “Partnership”) subject to [insert one or more of the following as appropriate]:
a. Investor’s review of the limited partnership agreement;
b. receipt of similar commitments which, together with Investor’s investment will total at least
$_____________ [; and]
[Note: Include the following provision only under special circumstances:
c. receipt of evidence that the Partnership’s application for licensing as a Small Business Investment
Company (“SBIC”) has been approved by the divisional Licensing Committee of the U.S. Small
Business Administration (“SBA”) and it is reasonable to anticipate that the Partnership will
promptly be licensed as an SBIC.]
The Investor represents that it is an “Accredited Investor” as defined in Regulation D under the
Securities Act of 1933; and
The Investor has a net worth (exclusive of any unfunded commitments from investors) in excess of
[check the appropriate box]:
☐ over $10 million
☐ over $2 million and at least ten times the amount of this commitment
☐ less than $2 million
We understand that you may submit a copy of this letter to SBA in connection with the application of
the Partnership for licensing as an SBIC.

Very truly yours,

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

24 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

High net worth individuals form of commitment letter

[Name and Address of Fund]
[Date]
Dear Mr. _____________:
This confirms [my][our] intention of investing $_____________ as a limited partner in
_______________________ (the “Partnership”) subject to [insert one or more of the following as
appropriate]:
a. [my][our] review of the limited partnership agreement;
b. receipt of similar commitments which, together with [my][our] investment will total at least
$_____________ [; and]
[Note: Include the following provision only under special circumstances:
c. receipt of evidence that the Partnership’s application for licensing as a Small Business Investment
Company (“SBIC”) has been approved by the divisional Licensing Committee of the U.S. Small Business
Administration (“SBA”) and it is reasonable to anticipate that the Partnership will promptly be licensed
as an SBIC.]
[We][I] represent that [we are][I am an] “Accredited Investor[s]” as defined in Regulation D under the
Securities Act of 1933; and
[We][I] represented that [we][I] have a net worth (exclusive of the value of [my][our] most valuable
residence in excess of [check the appropriate box]:
•

over $10 million

•

over $2 million and at least ten times the amount of this commitment

•

less than $2 million

[We][I] understand that you may submit a copy of this letter to SBA in connection with the application of
the Partnership for licensing as an SBIC.

Very truly yours,

Exhibit K. Capital Certificate

25 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit L. Transferor’s Liability Contract
Instructions
This Transferor’s Liability Contract is to be executed by (i) each principal of the SBIC, in his/her individual
capacity, (ii) each person, in his/her individual capacity, who will own or control, directly or indirectly,
50% or more of the Private Capital of the SBIC (as defined in 13 CFR §107.230), (iii) each entity that will
own or control, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the Private Capital of the SBIC, (iv) each person, in
his/her individual capacity, who will own or control, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the Private
Capital of the SBIC and will participate in investment decisions of the SBIC (e.g., participation on the
SBIC’s Investment Committee), and (v) each entity that will own or control, directly or indirectly, 10% or
more of the Private Capital of the SBIC and will have a nominee who participates in investment decisions
of the SBIC.
If you have not already done so, enter the name of the applicant and select the date of submission using
the space provided in the header of this page.

Definitions
As used in this Contract, the terms listed below have the following meanings:
“Act” means the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended.
“Contract” means this Transferor’s Liability Contract.
“Guarantor” means the individual or entity signing this Contract and identified above.
“Impermissible Change of Control” means (i) the assignment, pledge, grant or other transfer of any
portion or all of any of the Guarantor’s right, title or interest in SBIC, including, without limitation, rights
to receive assets, income, distributions or other amounts from SBIC and rights to vote, consent or
otherwise participate in decisions concerning SBIC, (ii) the assignment, pledge, grant or other transfer of
any portion or all of any of the Guarantor’s ability to control SBIC, including, without limitation, rights to
vote, consent or otherwise participate in decisions concerning SBIC or (iii) the admission or substitution
of a new principal in SBIC or new investor in SBIC’s general partner or managing member, in each case,
without the prior written consent of SBA when such consent is required by SBA.
“Leverage” means financial assistance provided to SBIC as defined in 13 CFR §107.50.
“Obligations” means all amounts which are or may become due and payable from SBIC in connection
with any and all Leverage, and all expenses, including, without limitation, court costs and reasonable
attorney’s fees, incurred by SBA in enforcing its rights under this Contract.
“Participates In” means any action that permits, approves, facilitates or otherwise brings about an
Impermissible Change of Control, including, without limitation, any vote, at a meeting or by proxy, or
written consent in favor of an Impermissible Change of Control, unless the effectiveness of the
participation is conditioned on the written consent of SBA.

Exhibit L. Transferor’s Liability Contract

26 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

“Permitted Transfer” means, with respect to any limited partner who is not a principal, a transfer to (i) a
spouse, child, grandchild or heir of Guarantor, (ii) a trust for the benefit of one or more family members
of Guarantor, (iii) an entity, all of whose owners or beneficiaries are family members of Guarantor, (iv)
an IRA, Keogh account, trust or profit sharing plan of or for the benefit of Guarantor, (v) a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Guarantor, or (vi) any transfer of all or a portion of the economic interest (the right to
receive allocations and distributions) of Guarantor provided that Guarantor retains all capital
contribution obligations and voting rights with respect to the transferred economic interest.
“Private Capital” means Private Capital as defined in 13 CFR §107.230
“SBA” means the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“SBIC” means the small business investment company (or applicant for a Small Business Investment
Company license) named above.

Contract
In order to induce the SBA to provide Leverage under Section 303 of the Act, Guarantor hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees the immediate payment of all Obligations, if the Guarantor
Participates In an Impermissible Change of Control; it being understood that SBA is not required to
pursue or exhaust any other remedies before proceeding under this Contract. Guarantor waives any
right to require SBA to proceed against SBIC or any of its assets, or to proceed against or exhaust any
collateral security that may have been given to SBA in connection with SBIC’s obligations to SBA or to
pursue any other remedy in SBA’s power whatsoever. Guarantor also waives any and all presentments,
demands, protests or notices otherwise required to be given to Guarantor.
If Guarantor Participates In an Impermissible Change of Control, SBA may, at its option and without
notice to Guarantor, proceed directly against Guarantor to collect and recover the full amount of the
Obligations; however, if SBA provides Leverage to SBIC after full written disclosure by SBIC or Guarantor
of the Change of Control to an official of SBA with authority to approve additional Leverage, then
Guarantor shall not have any liability for the future Obligations associated with such Leverage. The
commission of a Permitted Transfer without SBA’s consent will not subject the Guarantor to liability
under this Contract.
Furthermore, if SBA provides Leverage to the SBIC after written notification to an authorized SBA official
that the Guarantor no longer meets any of the criteria in (i) through (v) above of the Instructions to this
Contract, Guarantor shall have no liability with respect to such subsequent Leverage.
This Contract shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) repayment in full of all Leverage drawn by
SBIC and all expenses incurred by SBA in enforcing its rights under this Contract or (ii) the written
consent of SBA by an authorized official.
Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that, without notice and without affecting the liability of Guarantor
hereunder, from time to time, whether before or after an Impermissible Change of Control has
occurred, SBA may renew, extend, grant indulgences or otherwise change the time for payment or

Exhibit L. Transferor’s Liability Contract

27 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

performance or otherwise change any other term or condition of SBIC’s obligations to SBA or otherwise
deal with SBIC as SBA may elect, all without in any way diminishing, releasing or discharging the liability
of Guarantor hereunder. Upon payment of its liability under this Contract, Guarantor shall be
subrogated to the rights of SBA to receive payments and distributions of assets from SBIC in connection
with any and all Leverage provided by SBA to SBIC.
If any term or provision of this Contract is illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity or
unenforceability shall not in any way affect or impair the remaining terms and provisions of this
Contract.
This Transferor’s Liability Contract is binding upon Guarantor, its successors and assigns/heirs,
executors, administrators and personal representatives, and may not be waived, amended, modified or,
except upon repayment in full of all Leverage as provided above, terminated or discharged except in a
writing signed by Guarantor and an authorized official of SBA; provided, that, Guarantor agrees and
consents to any assignment of this Contract by SBA, in which event it shall inure to the benefit of any
such assignee with the same force and effect as though said assignee was specifically named herein, and
Guarantor hereby waives any notice of any such assignment. This Contract shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with applicable Federal laws and the laws of the State of organization of SBIC.
PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS CONTRACT, BE CERTAIN THAT YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND THE LIABILITY THAT
YOU ARE ASSUMING IN THE EVENT THAT YOU PARTICIPATE IN AN “IMPERMISSIBLE” TRANSFER OF
OWNERSHIP.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned party (or parties) has (have) affixed his/her (their) signature(s)
hereto.
Guarantor
Printed Name

Percentage of Private Capital
Title

Signature

Date

Guarantor
Printed Name
Signature

Exhibit L. Transferor’s Liability Contract

Percentage of Private Capital
Title
Date

28 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Guarantor
Printed Name

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Percentage of Private Capital
Title

Signature

Date

Guarantor
Printed Name

Percentage of Private Capital
Title

Signature

Date

Guarantor
Printed Name
Signature

Exhibit L. Transferor’s Liability Contract

Percentage of Private Capital
Title
Date

29 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit M. Declaration of Significant Investors
Instructions
This declaration must be signed by each investor of 50% or more of the ownership interests of the
applicant if that investor is not required to sign the Declaration found on page 6 of Form 2183.

Declaration
1. The undersigned certifies that all information submitted by it or on its behalf in connection with SBA
Forms 2181, 2182 and 2183, is true and correct to the best of its knowledge. The undersigned also
certifies that it is submitting this information for the purpose of obtaining an ownership interest in,
or a license to operate as, a Small Business Investment Company. The undersigned understands
that all statements made by it or on its behalf in connection with SBA Forms 2181, 2182 and 2183
are considered material by SBA in evaluating the Applicant’s application for a license to operate as a
Small Business Investment Company.
2. The undersigned understands that knowingly making a false statement in connection with this
application is a violation of Federal law and is subject to criminal prosecution under 18 USC §§ 287,
371, 1001, 1006, and 1014, including fines up to $1 million and up to 30 years imprisonment, 15 USC
§§ 645 and 687(f), civil penalties under 31 USC § 3729; government-wide debarment or suspension;
and denial, suspension, or revocation of a Small Business Investment Company license.
3. The undersigned has not obtained, directly or indirectly, any of the funds it is investing in the SBIC
from any SBIC or any business financed by an SBIC, and will not use any proceeds of a financing by
any SBIC to repay any obligation that it has incurred, directly or indirectly, in connection with the
purchase of its ownership in the SBIC.
4. The undersigned will not participate in or consent to any action by the SBIC that to the best of its
knowledge and belief constitutes a violation of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as
amended, or that constitutes a violation of SBA regulations.

Printed Name of Investor
Title

Signature

Exhibit M. Declaration of Significant Investors

Date

Click here to
enter a date.

30 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit N. Offering Memoranda & Other Documents
Instructions
Attach your offering memoranda and other documents, as appropriate. (See 13 CFR 107.660(a) and (b)).

Exhibit N. Offering Memoranda & Other Documents

31 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit O. Organizational Documents of Applicant
Instructions
For the Applicant and its general partner, if applicable, please provide the following:
1. Organizational Documents:
a. For limited partnerships, include the certificate of limited partnership and a copy of the limited
partnership agreement.
b. For limited liability companies, include the certificate of formation and a copy of the operating
agreement.
c. For corporations, include a copy of the articles of incorporation and by-laws.
Please note that if a general partner of a limited partnership SBIC is an entity (i.e., corporation, LLC, or
partnership), in accordance with 13 CFR §107.160(b), the organizational documents for the general
partner must include language which states that the entity is organized under state law solely for the
purpose of serving as the general partner of one or more SBICs.
2. Minutes, resolutions and/or written consents. Include certified copies of minutes, resolutions or
written consents at which current directors, managers, officers were elected or appointed, as
applicable.
3. Model Partnership Agreement. SBA encourages the use of SBA’s Model Partnership Agreement and
reminds the Applicant that all of the provisions of SBA’s Model Partnership Agreement shown in
bold face type must be included in the Applicant’s Limited Partnership Agreement. A black line must
be submitted showing the changes made to the SBIC model partnership agreement.
SBA’s Model Partnership Agreement is available for download at www.sba.gov/inv.
4. Execution. The organizational documents submitted with the application may be unexecuted. SBA
may require changes in your organizational documents during the licensing process. However, all
organizational documents must be executed prior to SBA’s approval of the Applicant’s license
application.
5. Side Letters. SBA discourages the use of side letters. If the Applicant intends to utilize side letters its
limited partnership agreement and, preferably, its PPM should include provisions indicating the
intent to utilize side letters. Provide a copy of all side letters between the Applicant and any of its
investors, affiliates, associates, advisors or other third parties (executed or contemplated). These
agreements require the prior approval of SBA.

Exhibit O. Organizational Documents of Applicant

32 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit P. Opinions of Counsel
Instructions
1. Opinions. All applicants must submit an opinion of independent counsel for the applicant,
addressed to the SBA, stating the following:
a. The applicant has been duly organized and is validly existing in good standing under the laws of
the State of [state of organization].
b. The applicant is chartered or registered by the appropriate authorities to conduct, in its
proposed operating territory or area, only the activities described under Title III of the Small
Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended.
c. The applicant is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction contemplated under its
business plan which requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to so
qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the applicant. (Note: SBA considers the lack
of authority to file suit in any jurisdiction to be a material adverse effect.)
2. Securities Opinions. All applicants must also submit evidence issued by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) that the securities of the applicant sold or proposed to be sold, as set forth in
the license application, are not required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and that
the applicant is not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, or, if registration is required in either case, evidence satisfactory to SBA that the
applicant has complied with such requirements. If counsel for an applicant believes that the
applicant is not subject to the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 or the Investment
Company Act of 1940, SEC clearance is not required, and in such event, the applicant must provide
an opinion to the effect that it is not so subject to such registration provisions.
3. Tax Opinions. If the applicant is a partnership, an opinion must be provided that the partnership
will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, stating that the partnership is not
a publicly-traded partnership, as defined in Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code.
4. Form of opinion.
a. The opinions required must be rendered by independent legal counsel for the applicant and may
be rendered in one or more separate legal opinions. (Note: An applicant must notify its
licensing analyst in the event that the legal firm rendering such opinions and/or any member of
such legal firm has invested or intends to invest in the applicant.)
b. Opinions with respect to state law must be rendered by counsel licensed to practice law in such
state, unless the SBA specifically approves otherwise.
Exhibit P. Opinions of Counsel

33 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

c. Each opinion must be specifically addressed to the SBA and may also be addressed to other
parties.
d. The opinion or opinions may be provided to the SBA for approval in final draft form in advance
of the receipt of a license by the SBA; provided that counsel undertakes to deliver an executed
copy of any such opinion in the same form as the draft submitted effective upon the formation
or license of the applicant.
5. Assumptions, Exceptions and Qualifications.
a. Any assumptions on which an opinion is based must be specifically identified.
b. Any exceptions and/or qualifications taken with respect to an opinion must be specifically
enumerated, and where an exception relates to specific provisions of an agreement counsel
should identify the provisions of the agreement to which the exception relates.
c. Counsel must identify in which states they are members of the bar and the states to which their
opinion relates, if different.

Exhibit P. Opinions of Counsel

34 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit Q. Management Services & Other Agreements
Instructions
If the SBIC plans to employ an investment advisor/manager as permitted by 13 CFR 107.510, please
attach a copy of the management services agreement. Also, attach any side letters or other special
agreements that the SBIC has negotiated with its general partner, investment advisor/manager, limited
partners, or any other entities or individuals.
If the SBIC will not employ a separate investment advisor/manager, please provide a statement to that
effect on this page.

Exhibit Q. Management Services & Other Agreements

35 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit R. Bank Letter & Third Party Debt
Instructions
1. This information does not need to be submitted at the time of filing your application. However, it
must be submitted before the application is presented to the Agency SBIC licensing committee.
Your analyst will advise you when the bank letter is required.
2.

Attach a letter or letters addressed to SBA from the institutions(s) or custodian(s) as evidence that
unencumbered cash or permitted investments of idle funds as defined in 13 CFR §107.530(b) are on
deposit in the account(s) of the Applicant. The funds evidenced by these letters should match the
amounts in Table 1. The letters must be signed by a senior officer of the institution, and must be
addressed to SBA and must contain the following language evidencing the deposit of funds to the
Applicant's account:
This certifies that there is on deposit in the name of [Applicant] the sum of __________. This institution
has no right, written or otherwise, to restrict the use of or the withdrawal of funds from this account, or
to apply the funds in this account against any indebtedness owed to it; and it has no knowledge of any
agreements with other parties restricting the right of withdrawal from, or concerning the use of, the
funds in this account.

Exhibit R. Bank Letter & Third Party Debt

36 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)
Table 1

Description (cash on deposit, U.S.
Treasury bill, etc.)

Amount

Custodian or Where Located

Total

Description

Amount

Cash and cash equivalents (per bank letter(s))
Pre-Licensing Investments Made (per Exhibit K, Table 5)
Cash Paid for Organizational and Management Expenses Approved by SBA
Other reconciling items (identify and explain)
Total Paid-In Capital (per Exhibit M)

Table 2 –Third Party Debt
If the applicant has third party debt, provide the name, address, phone number and email address of the contact
person at the entity that has provided the loan, and attach a copy of the loan agreement.

Exhibit R. Bank Letter & Third Party Debt

37 of 48

Form 2183: Fund Exhibits

Enter Name of Applicant (Date of Submission)

Exhibit S. Legal Documentation Certification
Instructions
The following certification concerning the Applicant’s legal documents must be completed and signed by
either a principal of the Applicant or Applicant’s legal counsel and submitted with the Applicant’s final,
fully-executed legal documents prior to SBA’s approval of the Applicant’s license application.

Representation
I hereby represent and warrant to the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”) that the
following documents listed below, all of which have been fully-executed by all parties to such
documents and attached to this letter, are unchanged from the versions of such documents approved by
the SBA in processing [Name of SBIC Applicant]'s application for a Small Business Investment Company
license.
List of Documents (modify the following list as needed)
Limited Partnership Agreement of Applicant
Executed Signature Pages of Limited Partners to Limited Partnership Agreement or Subscription
Agreement (if signing through power of attorney contained therein)
Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of General Partner
Capital Certificate
Bank Letter
Formation Opinion
Tax Opinion
Securities Opinion
Management Agreement
Exhibit R (Certification of Third Party Debt)
Side Letters
Escrow Agreement

Printed Name
Title

Signature

Exhibit S. Legal Documentation Certification

Date

Click here to
enter a date.

38 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet
Instructions
This appendix is not submitted with the application. Once you have received a letter from SBA stating that
your application has been accepted for processing, you may make eligible investments. You are limited to
one pre-licensing investment until at least one principal has attended the SBIC regulations training class.
Pre-licensing investments must be submitted for approval to the SBA on the Pre-Licensing Investment
Worksheet which begins on the next page, with a certification that to the best of its knowledge and belief,
the subject investment is an eligible investment, meeting the criteria set forth in 13 CFR Parts 107 and 121.
The investment must be approved by SBA before it is closed. (The submission should be made at least 10
business days prior to the proposed closing.)
Please note that the principals of an SBIC have sole responsibility for its investment decisions. SBA’s prelicensing investment review focuses only on regulatory compliance, and is part of an educational process
that helps you become familiar with SBIC Program regulations. In particular, SBA’s review may help you
avoid the disruption of having to divest yourself of an ineligible investment (e.g. an investment in a
company that does not qualify as a small business).
As part of this submission, you must also submit SBA Forms 1031, 480, and 652. For this purpose, you will
submit a pro forma Form 1031 in hard copy, rather than electronically. After you are licensed, you must
then submit a final Form 1031 using SBA’s electronic reporting software.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

39 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet
Name of Applicant:

Enter Applicant Name

Date:

Click here to enter a date.

Small Business Name:

Small Business Name

Date Financing is Expected to Close:

Click here to enter a date.

Additional Instructions
Copy this page and the balance of the Appendix into a new file. Please complete all questions. For any
item for which you feel there might be multiple interpretations or where you feel that your
interpretation might conflict with SBA’s interpretation, please elaborate and/or call your analyst for
guidance.
Overline Limits
1. State the Applicant’s most likely Regulatory Capital.

$

2.

State the amount of Regulatory Capital raised to-date.

$

3.

What is the total dollar investment the Applicant is proposing to invest in the
Small Business? Include Commitments as defined in 13 CFR 107.50

$

4.

Has or will the Applicant guarantee the obligations of the Small Business, or
made any other commitments? If yes, explain fully below. (Include a description
of the Applicant’s relationship with the creditor, the amount of the guarantee
and the cost of the guarantee). (13 CFR 107.740, 107.820)

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

5.

What percentage of most likely Regulatory Capital is the sum of the proposed
financing, including financing Commitments and guarantees? (13 CFR 107.740)

%

6.

What percentage of Regulatory Capital raised to-date is the sum of the proposed
financing, including financing commitments and guarantees. (13 CFR 107.740)

%

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

40 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant
Size Standards
7. Is the Small Business affiliated with any other concerns, as defined in 13 CFR
121.103? If yes, list the names of the affiliated concerns, and include
information for these affiliates when answering questions the remaining
questions in the “Size Standards” section.

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

8.

What is the average net income of the Small Business, including its affiliates,
over its past two fiscal years? (Net income measured after Federal income tax,
but excluding carryover losses. Note that if the company is an S Corp. or LLC,
income tax expense can be attributed to the business when answering this
question.)20 Show calculation below. [13 CFR 121.301(c)(1), 121.201]

$

Provide an explanation, if required.

9.

What is the tangible net worth (total assets minus goodwill, minus total
liabilities) of the Small Business, including its affiliates, as of the date of this
worksheet? Show calculation below.[(13 CFR 121.301(c)(1), 121.201]

$

Provide an explanation, if required.

10. If the answer to A8 is $6.5 million or less AND the answer to A9 is $19 million or
less, check the box “N/A.” Otherwise, if the business does not meet the size
tests in A8 and A9, is the business qualified under the appropriate industry size
standard found in 13 CFR 121.201

N/A ☐
YES ☐ NO ☐

20 20

Small Business Investment Act, Section 103(5)(B) “in determining whether a business concern satisfies net
income standards established pursuant to section (3)(a)(2) of the Small Business Act, if the business concern is not
required to pass income through to the shareholders, partners, beneficiaries, or other equitable owners of the
business concern, the net income of the business concern shall be determined in an amount equal to the sum of –
(i) if the business concern is not required by law to pay State (and local, if any) income taxes at the
enterprise level, the net income (determined without regard to this subparagraph), multiplied by the marginal
State income tax rate (or by the combined State and local income tax rates, as applicable) that would have applied
if the business concern were a corporation: and
(ii) the net income (so determined) less any deduction for State (and local) income taxes calculated under
clause (i), multiplied by the marginal Federal income tax rate that would have applied if the business concern were
a corporation.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

41 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant
Eligibility for Finance
11. What is the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code for the
Small Business? [13 CFR 121.201]
12. Does the primary activity of the Small Business consist of relending or
reinvesting? If yes, please explain below. [13 CFR 107.720(a), 107.720(a)(2)]

NAICS Code

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

13. Is the Small Business passive, as defined in 13 CFR 107.720(b)(1)? If yes, explain
how the business qualifies for financing?

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

14. How will the Small Business use the new funds? Show percentages per use. [13 CFR 107.720(c)(2),
107.720(d)-(i)]

Provide an explanation, if required.

15. Will any of the funds be used to finance a foreign operation? If yes, please
provide details. [13 CFR 107.720(g)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

16. Does the Small Business have more than 49% of its employees or tangible assets
located outside the United States? If yes, provide details explaining how the
SBIC’s funds will be used for a specific domestic purpose. [13 CFR 107.720(g)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

42 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant
Terms of Financing
17. Please check the box if this is solely an equity financing with no term.
If this financing has a term, please indicate the term. If less than one year,
explain. [13 CFR 107.830, 107.835, 107.840]

Equity ☐
Term (yrs.)

Provide an explanation, if required.

18. Will any interim financing be provided to the Small Business by the Applicant? If
yes, explain. [13 CFR 107.835]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

19. If present in the proposed terms, what are the amortization provisions?

Provide an explanation, if required.

20. Are there any restrictions or costs associates with prepayment by the Small
Business? If yes, explain the restrictions and related costs. [13 CFR
107.830(d)(2), 107.830(d)(3)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.
Cost of Money
21. If a Loan or Debt Security is utilized in the financing, what is the nominal cost of
money for the Small Business [13 CFR 107.855]

Financing Fees
22. Will the Small Business be charged an application fee and/or closing fees? If yes,
quantify each charge as a percentage of the total financing and explain below.
[13 CFR 107.860]

N/A ☐
%

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

43 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant

Control
23. How many shareholders does the Small Business have? [13 CFR 107.865]

Number

24. What percentage of outstanding voting securities will be owned or controlled by
the Applicant and Associates of the Applicant upon closing of [a] all firm
commitments, and [b] all conditional commitments. (Do not present on a fullydiluted basis.) [13 CFR 107.865]

A: %

25. What percentage ownership is held by other SBICs and/or other SBIC Applicants?

%

B: %

26. After the financing is closed (including [a] all firm commitments, and [b] all
conditional commitments), what percentage of Directors, General Partners, or
Managers of the Small Business may be elected by management of the Small
Business?

A: %

27. After the financing is closed (including [a] all firm commitments, and [b] all
conditional commitments), what percentage of Directors, General Partners, or
Managers of the Small Business may be elected by the Applicant (together with
Associates)? [13 CFR 107.865]

A: %

28. Would the Applicant (together with its Associates) be able to exercise control,
directly or indirectly, through management agreement, voting trust, majority
representation on board of directors, or in any other way? If yes, explain fully.
[13 CFR 107.865]

B: %

B: %

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

Securities
29. Will you purchase securities directly from the Small Business? If no, explain. [13
CFR 107.825]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

30. If an Equity financing is being done, are there debt-type acceleration provisions?
If yes, explain. [13 CFR 107.800(b)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

44 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant
31. Will options be obtained by employees, officers, directors, or general partners of
the Small Business Investment Company or its management company? If yes,
explain. [13 CFR 107.815(b)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

32. If present in the proposed terms, what is the least amount of time allowed for
making a redemption? [13 CFR 107.850(a)]

Time Period

33. If present in the proposed terms, what are the terms of the redemption
provisions? [13 CFR 107.850]

Provide an explanation, if required.

34. If the Applicant has a preference in liquidation, what is the preference amount and under what
conditions is it payable? Indicate specifically the circumstances that constitute an event of
liquidation.

Provide an explanation, if required.

35. If this is a proposed equity financing, could the financing result in the Applicant
becoming a general partner in the Small Business or otherwise becoming jointly
or severally liable for the general obligations of the Small Business? If yes,
explain how. [13 CFR 107.800(a), 107.800(b)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.
Conflicts of Interest
36. Is the Small Business an Associate of the Applicant? If yes, explain fully. [13 CFR
107.730(a)(1)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

45 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant
37. Could any aspect of the transaction be construed as self-dealing? If yes, explain
fully. [13 CFR 107.730(a), 107.50]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

38. Is the Small Business an Associate of any other Applicant, SBIC, or New Markets
Venture Capital company? Has or will such other Applicant or SBIC provide
financing to the Applicant. If yes, explain fully. [13 CFR 107.730(a)(2)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

39. Is the Applicant or any Associate borrowing from the Small Business, its officers,
directors or owners, or their relatives? If yes, explain fully. [13 CFR
107.730(a)(3), 107.730(b)(1)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

40. Will Funds be used, directly or indirectly, to repay an obligation to an Associate
of the Applicant; or to purchase property from an Associate of the Applicant? If
yes, explain fully. [13 CFR 107.730(a)(4), 107.730(a)(5)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

41. Is the Small Business compensating an Associate of the Applicant, directly or
indirectly, in connection with the financing? If yes, explain fully. [13 CFR
107.730(b)(2)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

42. Does an Associate of the Applicant have any voting equity interest in the Small
Business of at least 5 percent? If yes, explain fully. [13 CFR 107.730(d)(1),
107.730(d)(3)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

46 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant

43. Does an Associate of the Applicant participate in the management of the Small
Business. If yes, explain. [13 CFR 107.730(e)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.

44. If the Small Business is being, or has been, financed by any Associate, are the
terms of such financing the same? If “no”, give details of the terms of the
financing by the Associate, and explain fully the justification for different terms,
and why the Applicant is not being disadvantaged vis-à-vis its Associate. [13 CFR
107.730(d)(2), 107.730(d)(3)]

YES ☐ NO ☐

Provide an explanation, if required.
General
45. Identify the principals of the Applicant that have attended the SBIC Regulations Class, if any, and
the dates on which he/she/they attended.

Provide an explanation, if required.

46. Briefly state how the investment is consistent with the Applicant’s business plan.

Provide an explanation, if required.

47. Very briefly state how the investment is consistent with the experience of the management team
of the Applicant.

Provide an explanation, if required.

48. Briefly explain how the type of security used in the investment is consistent with
the Applicant’s intended leverage type, if any.

☐ Check if not
seeking leverage

Provide an explanation, if required.

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

47 of 48

Enter Name of Applicant

Representation
Applicant is contemplating an investment in the above-named Small Business and requests approval of
such investment in order that that it may be included within Regulatory Capital as defined by the SBA.
Applicant understands that the SBA is relying upon Applicant’s representations, and that an examination
by the SBA may find that the investment is ineligible and may be subject to divestiture or other
regulatory action.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, I represent that the foregoing is true, and I acknowledge that
these representations will be relied upon by the SBA.
Applicant
Printed Name
Signature

Date

Click here to enter a
date.

Checklist for Pre-License Investment Submission
Before Financing is Closed
☐ Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet
☐ Term Sheet
☐ Executive Summary of Business Plan
☐ Draft Form 1031 Portfolio Financing Report
☐ Pro-forma Form 480 Size Status Declaration
☐ Pro-forma Form 652 Assurance of Compliance for Non-Discrimination
After Financing is Closed
☐ Final Form 1031 Portfolio Financing Report (After licensing, submit this form electronically.)
☐ Signed Form 480 Size Status Declaration (Retain in your files.)
☐ Signed Form 652 Assurance of Compliance for Non-Discrimination (Retain in your files.)

Pre-Licensing Investment Worksheet

48 of 48