Frequently asked questions.

Yes. CDFI certification support is one of our consulting offerings — application prep, policy alignment, readiness review.

We design policies and documentation specifically to hold up under federal and state program audits. John and Carrie have clean audit histories across SSBCI, EDA, USDA, and EPA programs.

The LIFT and LAUNCH Programs are ArkP3's flagship framework, developed in collaboration with the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA). The programs provide tailored technical assistance and consulting to optimize RLF operations — from new fund launches to modernization of existing programs. They deliver efficiency, compliance, governance, and economic impact while aligning with federal and CDFI industry standards.

We specialize in Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) and Venture Capital / SSBCI programs, including: program design and policy development; underwriting frameworks, credit policies, and risk management; governance structures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); "Loan-plus-TA" technical assistance integration; compliance, audit readiness, and reporting; and capitalization strategies and CDFI readiness. Recent work includes RLF program design for municipal clients and full SOP development for state SSBCI Venture Capital programs.

ArkP3 has deep expertise designing and optimizing RLFs for nonprofits, small businesses, and municipalities. In previous proposals we have outlined a complete solution that includes loan product design, workflows (intake through closing), governance protocols, CDFI-aligned documentation, and a scalable "loan-plus-TA" model. Our LIFT/LAUNCH frameworks ensure the programs meet federal standards and support future third-party capitalization and audits.

Yes. We have direct, hands-on experience administering SSBCI Venture Capital programs. Our CEO, John Saris, served as the Authorized Official for Oregon's SSBCI 1.0 and 2.0, successfully deploying Venture Direct, Venture Fund, and Venture Debt programs (approximately 60% of Oregon's allocation). We recently proposed comprehensive SOPs, audit-ready documentation, risk controls, and compliance frameworks for a $49 million SSBCI VC program.

Every engagement is collaborative and customized. We follow a proven three-phase process. Phase 1 — Discovery & Benchmarking (Weeks 1–3): intake, SWOT analysis, staff interviews, and final work-plan. Phase 2 — Draft Documentation (Weeks 4–8): develop policies, procedures, workflows, loan products, and TA integration. Phase 3 — Review & Finalization (Weeks 9–12): incorporate feedback and deliver final materials with Board/Loan Committee recommendations. All work is delivered remotely with virtual collaboration unless in-person meetings are requested.

Typical deliverables include: comprehensive Loan Policies & Procedures Manual (or SOPs for VC programs); standardized form suite (applications, checklists, scoring rubrics, commitment letters); TA Integration Map and "loan-plus-TA" workflows; Implementation Roadmap with timeline and marketing tools; governance report templates (budget, pipeline, delinquency, etc.); final report with recommendations for Board approval. We also provide an assessment of underwriting/servicing practices and CDFI alignment where needed.

The checklist details all the documents and materials that lenders submit during LIFT/LAUNCH intake. It ensures ArkP3 receives a complete picture of your organization's structure, RLF operations, policies, financial health, and governance.

If you don't have a requested document, you can still proceed. Required: organizational org chart; resume/bio for key RLF staff; RLF Plan; organizational CEDS or Strategic Plan; current RLF Standard Operating Procedures (if/as available); sample credit memo; loan application & checklist; marketing materials; most recent governance reports; current year approved budget; finance statements for calendar/fiscal year 2024, 2025, and year-to-date; prior CDFI Application Materials (if applicable).

The checklist requests your current RLF Standard Operating Procedures (if/as available): Master Credit Policy; Program Policy/Policies; Loan Servicing Policy; Loan Collection Policy; Risk Rating Policy; Allowance for Loan/Credit Loss Policy. If you do not yet have a particular policy, simply note it as "not available at this time."

Your current year approved budget, plus finance statements for the last two calendar/fiscal years and year-to-date — specifically Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Delinquency Report / Accounts Receivable Aging.

Local/Federal Reports; Delinquency Report; Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Portfolio Reports; sample payment posting report.

Yes. The checklist specifically calls for a sample credit memo, your loan application & checklist, and marketing materials. These help ArkP3 understand your current underwriting process and how you promote the RLF to borrowers. If you don't have the documents available, mark them "not available at this time."

If your organization has previously applied for CDFI certification or funding, please include those prior application materials as part of your intake package.

Submit what you have and note any missing items in your cover email or transmittal letter. The checklist is designed to be comprehensive, but we understand that some smaller, newer, or not-yet-established RLFs may not have every policy or report. Contact the ArkP3 LIFT Program staff for guidance on how to proceed.

Review the Lift & Launch capabilities and typical scope; submit the cohort application (intake questions, ~10–15 minutes); if selected, execute an agreement and make the deposit to begin Week 1. We'll schedule an initial call to discuss your needs and refine the work-plan. Questions? Reach us at info@arkp3.com or 503-468-2299.

Yes. We're often engaged between permanent hires or to bridge capacity during a ramp.

We scale the cost of our services to match the scope of your program. Depending on the project, our fees are set based on assets under management or an hourly rate.

Yes, when it matters. Most work is remote; however, kickoffs, trainings, and sensitive reviews may be done in person for an additional fee.