If Eric was going after just any type of financing it could have been a done deal by now, but if what he states is true, and looking for financing that will benefit all parties involved then that is a horse of a different color. You know as well as I do that Eric could have recieved toxic financing anytime he desired, but it appears that's not his desire, and friendly financing is his goal. Thus the vetting process takes time.
The vast majority of wealth in this world has been aquired by those willing to take a risk. Even if it was gain by corruption the risk was still there. With that being said, the possibility of Eric finding proper financing outside the normal penny players is absolutely possible if potential can be seen in their investment. Whether or not this is the case is yet to be seen, but common sense tells me that Eric could have secured toxic financing long ago if that was his goal. Good things come to those who strive to be a cut above.