Need a Business Loan? What is the Bank Going to Ask For?

1. Need a Business Loan? What is the Bank Going to Ask For? Applying for a business loan can be a very daunting experience. Will you be approved? Is your credit rating good enough? Has your business been operating long enough? Will they give you the funding amount you need to push your business forward? There are so many questions a business owner has when thinking of applying for a business loan. Knowing what the bank will ask for can help you prepare for your meeting with the bank manager. Preparation will help to reduce the risk of any delays in the bank’s decision and helping you secure a loan quickly and effectively. The first thing most banks will look for when considering a business loan application is collateral. Approving a business loan is a big risk for any bank, so it's not surprising that they require some form of collateral to protect themselves. The only time you will not need to provide collateral is if you take advantage of the SBA (Small Business Administration) loans. These programs provided by the US government serve as collateral to small businesses to help them increase their approval chances with lower interest rates and more flexible terms. Another thing the bank is going to need when applying for a business loan is an effective business plan. The plan must provide a detailed summary of the company, including products and services, marketing, team and financials. The business plan is an essential living document, something that is used to help companies push their way forward to achieve success. Your business plan can help the bank identify the future of the business and whether you will be in a position to repay the loan on time. When applying for a business loan, the bank expects you to be honest when it comes to the financial situation of your business. You will need to provide detailed information on the business financials including past loans, any current debts, bank accounts, investments, credit cards, along with tax ID numbers, contact information and addresses. Get your accounts receivable information together. This includes your sales and payment histories, account information and more. Ensure you provide a detailed report which can assist the bank in making an accurate decision on whether or not to approve your business loan. Remember that in addition to providing the bank with accounts receivable information, you will also need to provide accounts payable information. This may include credit references from companies selling to your business. Get all your financial statements in order. Ideally, these should be audited and reviewed. The balance sheet must provide details of the business assets, liabilities and capital. Provide profit and loss statements for at least three years. Audited statements mean that you have paid a CPA to go over the statements and ensure that they are accurate.

2. As a business owner, be prepared for your own personal financial information and history to be scrutinized. You will need to provide your social security number, asset information, liability details, investments, credit cards, net worth, loans, and mortgages. How you handle your own finances will be taken into account when considering whether to approve your business loan or not. If you are a relatively new business, then you may be asked to take out insurance against your death or the death of a founding member. The payout on death will be used to pay back the loan, giving the bank peace of mind and reducing the risk of giving you the business loan in the first place. About Us: CalPrivate Bank, formerly San Diego Private Bank, is a leading private bank serving clients throughout Southern California in the United States. This very well-established bank services high net worth individuals and businesses of all sizes. CalPrivate Bank's focus is to provide a Distinctly Different Banking Experience through unparalleled service and creative funding solutions for individuals and businesses with complex financial needs. They offer a wide array of financial services, including checking, savings, time deposit accounts, treasury management and related tools. To find out more, visit https://calprivate.bank/.