(a) The staff of the Department is available to confer with a prospective applicant in advance of the filing of an application for the purpose of discussing questions relating to such application. A pre-filing conference is recommended for all prospective applicants. However, no application will be decided in advance of filing.

(b) A prospective applicant may, before filing an application, submit pre-filing information concerning the prospective applicant's business plan, including a summary of the applicant's and any affiliates' current business, financial statements, financial projections, source and strength of capital, executive management, and other control persons to the Department for review in advance of the pre-filing conference.