Free PDF Checklist

The Business Funding Readiness Checklist

Know exactly what lenders want β€” and whether you have it. The same documents, benchmarks, and product guide our specialists use with business owners.

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Who It's For

If you're a business owner considering $25K–$5M+ in financing, this checklist is for you β€” whether you're starting your first application or rebuilding after a decline.

First-Time Applicants

No idea what lenders actually look for? This gives you the exact checklist so you're not starting blind.

Business Owners in Growth Mode

Planning expansion, acquisition, or equipment purchase β€” and need to know if your financials are ready.

Previously Declined

Got turned down? The checklist shows exactly what went wrong and what to fix before reapplying.

What's Inside

Four sections, zero fluff. Every item is something a lender will ask for or use to evaluate your application.

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Documents Lenders Require

The exact list of 20+ documents β€” organized by category, from tax returns to debt schedules to use of funds narrative.

  • 2-year personal & business tax returns
  • 3–6 months bank statements
  • YTD P&L and balance sheet
  • Use of funds / business plan
  • Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413)
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Financial Benchmarks

The numbers that determine approval vs. decline β€” DSCR thresholds, time-in-business minimums, and credit score requirements by product.

  • DSCR: 1.15 vs. 1.25 β€” which lenders require which
  • Time-in-business by product (SBA 24mo, equip 6mo+)
  • Credit score ranges: 580–740+ by product type
  • Revenue minimums per funding category
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Product Decision Tree

5 questions that map your situation to the right funding product β€” working capital, equipment financing, SBA, commercial real estate, or acquisition.

  • Short-term cash gap β†’ Working Capital
  • Equipment purchase β†’ Equipment Financing
  • Expansion, long-term β†’ SBA 7(a) Loan
  • Buying existing business β†’ Acquisition Financing
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7 Application Mistakes

The specific errors that kill applications β€” and the exact steps to fix each one before you apply.

  • Incomplete documentation cycles
  • Mixed personal/business finances
  • Too many simultaneous applications
  • New debt during underwriting
  • Wrong product for the wrong purpose

7 Mistakes That Kill Funding Applications

These are the reasons qualified businesses get declined β€” and every one is completely avoidable with preparation.

Mistake #1
Submitting Incomplete Documentation
Mistake #2
Mixing Personal and Business Finances
Mistake #3
Applying to Too Many Lenders at Once
Mistake #4
Not Reviewing Credit Reports First
Mistake #5
Wrong Product for the Wrong Purpose
Mistake #6
No Business Plan or Use of Funds Narrative
Mistake #7
Taking on New Debt During Underwriting

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