The immediate benefits of a high-quality loan application include that it will:

• tell you where your business stands financially
• draw a quicker response from a lender
• more likely result in a loan package tailored to the needs of your business
• help you obtain the most competitive interest rate and fee structure available.

Although different lenders will have different requirements, it is likely that you’ll be asked to provide some or all of the following information:

• a short description of the business – history, past achievements, products and services, competition and market position, location and business structure
• brief details of your experience and background including trade and business references
• the outlook for your business and the industry in which it operates
• the amount and purpose of the loan
• whether the amount sought makes allowances for unexpected events
• details of the equity you have in the business
• a statement of your personal financial position
• a balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the last three years
• an analysis of major influences affecting operating performance over the last three years
• a cash flow forecast for at least the next 12 months with a separate listing of the assumptions on which it is based
• a listing of debtors and creditors dissected by age and amount outstanding
• security for borrowing
• names and contact details of key advisers to the business.

Are you a good risk?

Preparing your loan application and anticipating what you’ll be asked at your loan interview is easier if you have an idea of what the lender might be looking for. A business loan assessment usually considers the ‘Five Cs’ – character, capital, conditions, capacity and collateral.