Small Business Guide - Small Business Resources
    (Add to Favorites  |  View All Articles  |  Resource Directory)

Improve your odds of getting that Small Business Loan


9 Things You Must Do To Maximize Your Chances Of Obtaining A Small Business Loan


To get approval for your small business loan application, you must be able to meet the lending criteria set down. Some organisations are more risk averse than others, and will therefore have more stringent criteria. To vastly increase your chances of a successful funding application, you will need to present the following information:

1. The reason for the loan. The lender will be looking for something that fits within the normal range and expertise of your business. The amount may cover a number of items, so you will need to cover each.

2. The amount required, and the repayment term of the small business loan you want. (e.g. $10,000 term 5 years, payable quarterly).

3. Details of how you will repay the amount borrowed. For example, "From the increase in profits of reduced running costs of the Whizzbang Go4It"

4. Details of security you will be able to offer to the lender. This will act as reassurance for the lender. If you're not prepared to put up some aspect of security, then why should they?

5. You will need to include your business plan which will serve to answer essential questions relating to management capabilities, information about the market you operate in. What kind of business you are in etc.

6. 3 Years financial statements. You will need to present quality financial information from your accounting software, preferably signed off by your accountant or tax advisor.

7. Latest Set of Management accounts. Again produced from your accounting software.

8. Accounts receivables (debtors) and payables (creditors) ageing reports.

9. Principals financial statements. - Particularly required if some form of security is necessary.

If you are a new company, the emphasis is going to be on your business plan , and the security (also called collateral) you or your business can provide against the loan.

You must take the time to practice presenting your case to the bank or lender to iron out any glitches. Practice on your colleagues and family (you never know, they might be so impressed, they'll invest or lend!). It may help to role play the lender and come up with as many pointy questions as possible. The more time you take the better your chances will be. (But remember, don't fall into the analysis paralysis trap!)

Good luck!

About The Author

This article was written by Neil Best, an accountant with over 15 years experience in business finance. The article and other useful business finance information including sample business plans Sourcing and applying for small business grants and how to approach potential investors can be found at Small Business Finance Tips


MORE RESOURCES:

News provided by Yahoo! News and Google News

Starting a Small Business in a Troubled Economy (KTVN Reno)
Are you thinking about starting a small business? You might be surprised to learn that now is the best time.

Small business leaders ask for help (FOX 11 Green Bay)
Northeast Wisconsin small businesses are asking Washington for help in getting money flowing again. Area business leaders came together to voice their concerns. Click the headline for Mark Leland's report.  

Avoiding ID Theft with Your Small Business (MoreBusiness)
Are you completely safe from small business ID theft? Regardless of how safe you think you are, you are never completely immune from the possibility of small business ID theft, fraud, or data breach event. What would your business do if it faced fraudulent activity based on ID theft?

Free forum prepares small biz for growth - Queensland Business Review

Free forum prepares small biz for growth
Queensland Business Review
With signs the economy is recovering, the Commonwealth Bank is supporting the Brisbane small business community to get ready for this new stage of growth by ...

Customs at odds with DHS IG over report on small-biz goals - FCW.com

Customs at odds with DHS IG over report on small-biz goals
FCW.com
US Customs and Border Protection officials are strongly defending performance on small-business goals for the Secure Border Initiative ...

home | site map | articles
© 2006