What Are The Loan Documents To Submit For Small Business Loans?
Most banks require a large amount of loan documentation to assess an application for qualification. Thus, many small business owners find difficulty in meeting all of them. Even if they meet most of them, the approval process takes too long. It might be frustrating if you are looking for quick loan options. If you have a purpose of optimizing cash flow or expanding your business, consider a business loan from a private lender. But there are many things to consider when taking out a loan, from eligibility criteria to fees, facilities, credit structure, collateral, and repayments. Here we have listed some of the details of small business loan requirements, required by some lenders.
List of loan requirements
The different loan requirements from traditional lenders and private lenders can be as follows. It is best to find a lender where you can meet all of their requirements before applying.
1. Purpose of Loan
Most business loan lenders are not concerned by how you use the funds from a business loan as long as they are for a worthwhile business purpose. You may however encounter resistance from banks when applying to qualify for a loan. You typically need to demonstrate that you need funds for approved expenses. In contrast, private lenders approve the use of credit for the following reasons:
- Improving cash flow
- Purchasing equipment
- Payment for expansion projects
- buy inventory
- Starting up a new business
Do you not want to worry about your bank needing proof of how you use your credit? Consider applying for a private business loan with easy lending criteria. Choose lenders with no restriction, so you can use the loan the way you want in your business. Business owners often prefer to work with lenders who do not impose restrictions on the usage of the loan funds.
2. Business Plan
While applying for a private business loan, you will not be required to present a business plan. Traditional bank lenders may require a business plan to help the bank determine the appropriate loan size and term. Before submitting your business plan, ensure it accurately reflects your company’s financials, goals, and other relevant information. Private lenders are much more flexible and will not require this to be submitted.
3. Personal Information
Even if you borrow money for business, some personal information can affect your eligibility. A person’s credit rating can affect eligibility when you lodge an application with traditional funders. Additionally, lenders typically request the following personal information in their applications:
- Address
- Tax returns
- Financial documents
- Bas statements
- Income declarations
- Financial assets
- Bank statements
4. Business Experience
The lender will consider your experience when reviewing your second mortgage business loan application. If you have owned a business for years and have responsibly managed the company’s finances, this is in your favor. However, if you are starting your business or have financial difficulties, this can be a disadvantage with traditional lenders. Ultimately, traditional lenders are more likely to approve your application if they believe you can maintain success in your business. Private lenders are more than willing to look at start up businesses or businesses with little trading history.
5. Credit History
When you want to borrow money for your business, lenders do a credit check. They do this to determine your personal and business creditworthiness. Personal creditworthiness is especially important for companies operating as owners or partnerships. In both cases, the entrepreneur assumes some or all of the financial responsibility. Check both scores before applying for a small business loan. You can acquire a personal credit report from the three major credit unions (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
It will be problematic to get a bank loan without a high credit score through a traditional bank due to their requirements. Even if you qualify for a business loan, it may affect your interest rates. It is advisable to pursue other business financing options through private lenders rather than wasting time applying through traditional banks. Most private lenders offer business loans to borrowers with poor credit or who may not have perfect scores. For this reason, it is also essential to weigh your financing options before making a decision.
6. Collateral
Even if your business or personal credit history is below the bank’s lending requirements, you can still get a loan by offering collateral or security. Private lenders define collateral as business or personal property that they provide to guarantee the repayment of a loan. The available equity in that property is used as collateral to secure the private business loans you want to obtain. Lenders typically seek structural collateral for large loans or when a business is a start up.
Some traditional lenders also consider equipment and inventory as collateral for a business loan. Other forms of collateral include cars, machinery, or business equipment. The expected collateral value should match the amount of the commercial loan. When taking out a loan for a particular equipment or inventory, the lender considers the item as collateral.
7. Annual Accounting
In addition to your personal financial information, traditional lenders will require you to submit company financial statements. The number of statements depends on the lender you apply for and their requirements. Some of the following documents may be required:
- Balance sheet
- Profit and loss statement
- Cash flow statement
- Trading bank statements
- Commercial bank account balances
- Other financial projections
Once submitted, the lender will analyze these documents to determine whether you are a strong credit candidate to qualify for a second mortgage. Although these documents are a requirement for traditional lenders, Private lenders can offer the finance without any financial information being supplied.
Final Takeaway
The small business loan requirements you should meet to get approved for a bank loan can seem intimidating. However, with careful planning, small businesses can be successful in raising capital when they use Private lenders. If you do not want to go through the lengthy bank loan application process, it makes sense to apply for a business loan with an alternative lender. Get the business financing you need without going through a lengthy and complicated application process.