PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Edge Initiatives is driven by Steve Davies, the founder and CEO of a five-time Inc 500 company that he grew to over 200 employees, president of a public company and an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Using a unique skill set that covers both banker and entrepreneur, The Edge Team understands both sides of the street and has used their hands-on experience to develop the Banking Edge.

This is a process that analyzes the banking relationship, overhauls internal reporting systems to produce a simple weekly report on key result areas and develops a strategic plan for running the banking relationship. It is streamlined and efficient and draws upon the expertise of the Edge team to complete the process as quickly as possible…and with the least possible drain on senior management time.

• First, there is an intake meeting one-to-one with the CEO to enable Edge to understand the company's existing goals, strategy, positioning and challenges.

• Next, Edge performs an analysis that looks at covenants and events of default, collateral requirements, reporting requirements and personal guarantees.

• Edge proposes and installs reporting mechanisms that surface key information on a simple report that also contains bank collateral and covenant information that shows the bank that the company is financially sophisticated.

• Then, Edge produces a strategic plan covering how the company should position itself with the bank.

• After the action plan is finalized, a number of follow up meetings are scheduled, all attended by Edge to monitor reporting and any changes in the banking relationship.

Depending upon the specific circumstances, it may sometimes be appropriate for Edge to attend a meeting with the bank to present the strategy or negotiate changes in covenants, as it is often easier to be represented by a sophisticated third party than to have to represent yourself.

With these steps, the Banking Edge delivers practical, lasting results not always found in more traditional consulting engagements.