While applying for a business loan, an owner has to furnish the following basic information:
Business Description
Name and address of the organization
Number of employees
Current business assets
Nature and history of the business
Management Profile
Names and Social Security numbers of principal members
Background of principals, including education, skills, experience and accomplishments
Ownership structure
Banks use the five ‘C’s of Credit’ to ensure that the amount lent by them will be paid back effectively.
A business that passes the five C’s test is sure to obtain a business loan at competitive rates and terms:
Capacity: Is the ability to repay a business loan. Lenders typically ask prospective borrowers to present a statement of how they seek to repay the loan at the time of business loan application itself.
Capital: Is the amount invested by the loan applicant (business owner) in the business. It indicates the borrower’s commitment to the business. A high investment amount implies that the borrower stands to lose more should the business fail, prompting him to work harder; thereby reducing the lender’s risk.
Collateral: Business as well as personal assets can be used as business loan collateral, creating higher security for the lender and encouraging them to sanction the loan.
Conditions: This implies the intended purpose of the business loan. For instance, will it be used for acquiring working capital or procuring additional equipment?
Character: Is it established with the personal impression that a borrower makes on the potential lender, which is extremely subjective. This is typically based on the borrower’s financial strength, educational background, experience and quality of references.
An applicant is generally required to furnish several evidentiary documents with the business loan application to prove their creditworthiness, such as balance sheets and income statements and credit reports of all principal business owners. Additionally, the lenders may ask for a business plan and projected financial statements, in case of startups.