Applications for loans. All applications for loans to small businesses shall be submitted to the Department on forms and subject to filing fees prescribed by the Department. The Department shall conduct such investigation and obtain such information concerning the application as it considers necessary and diligent. Complete applications received by the Department shall be forwarded to a credit review committee consisting of persons experienced in business financing, and the Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget or his designee, for a review and report concerning the advisability of approving the proposed loan. The review and report shall include facts about the company’s history, job opportunities, stability of employment, past and present condition and structure, actual and pro-forma income statements, present and future market prospects and management qualifications, and any other facts deemed material to the financing request. The report shall include a reasoned opinion as to whether providing the financing would tend to fulfill the purposes of the Article. The report shall be advisory in nature only. The credit review committee shall be of such composition, act for such time, and have such powers as shall be specified by the Department.
     After consideration of such report and after such other action as is deemed appropriate, the Department shall approve or deny the application. If the Department approves the application, its approval shall specify the amount of funds to be provided by the Department loan agreement provisions. The business applicant shall be promptly notified of such action by the Department.