The following items should be included in your proposal to make a lasting impact on the concerned people:
· Description of business
· Management biography
· Financial statements of principal owners
· Loan repayment methods
· Existing business
· Proposed business
· Projections
· Collaterals
The various steps involving in applying for a business loan include:
· Determine the purpose for which you need the loan
· Decide the type of loan and whether you want it from a bank, the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other lender.
· Update your business balance sheet and clearly mention your company’s assets, liabilities and equity.
· Update your P&L statement, along with a summary covering your company's expenses, revenues and costs for a particular accounting period.
· Contact various lenders, either in person, on the phone or via e-mail
· Consult a financial expert to assist you in reviewing various loan documents and also interpreting the terms and conditions of the loan
Some common mistakes made while applying for a loan are:
· Not having a clear understand of your credit rating
· Not reading the terms and conditions before signing
· Not locking in the rate of interest in anticipation of a relatively low rate
· Failing to explain your statement of purpose
· Making significant changes to your business structure
· Applying only to one lender while overlooking others and various credit unions
· Not having your financials properly updated
· Failing to list any equity in the loan proposal
· Failing to list any collateral
· Not having a well thought out business plan