What Do Banks Look For When Deciding To Give A Business Loan?

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Your business is growing and you need more time in the day to do everything. A new team member would be great BUT you want to maximize cash flow and some of your cash is still on its way. 

What do you do?

It’s like the chicken and the egg because you need one thing to do the other. It might be time to look for a business loan at your local bank but you are not sure what they will ask from you. 

Today I want to share the top 3 things banks look for when giving business loans.

Number One: Credit History

We all understand the importance of having good credit but some of us might need help understanding one of the easiest ways to get there. Sorry, this will not be earth-shattering news. I was recently at a local networking event sponsored by US Bank and one of the panel guests from US Bank said the best practice for having good credit is using no more than 50% of your total credit utilization. She went on to say of course not carrying a balance month to month is also a great way to establish good credit. If you need help achieving this goal check out a goals coach courtesy of US Bank. 

Number Two: Business Plan

The banks want you to show them your plan before they show you the money. It makes sense and we see this even on popular tv shows like The Shark Tank. The sharks always start by asking about elements of the entrepreneur's business plan like asking about sales projections, who is their target market, and many other questions. It starts with your business roadmap. If you need help with getting started on this check out SCORE.org  for help.

Number Three: Financial Statements

Yes, the banks want to look at your business health through the lens of your financial reports. The financial reports tell the story of your business. The income statement tells the story of your sales, expenses, and what was left. The balance sheet tells the story of what you own, owe, and what remains as equity in your business. Additionally, banks look at the financial statements to locate trends in revenue, profitability, and cash flow. They are looking for strong healthy businesses that will be able to pay them back. If you need help with creating your business financial story I am always here to help.

To recap, you need money because there are only 24 hours in a day, and hiring a new team member is paramount. Additionally, you want to maximize your cash flow and use O.P.P. (other people's money:) to help grow your business. The banks are looking for 3 key things which are good credit, a solid business plan, and your financial story via your financial statements. My challenge to you is to take a hard look at your business and these three criteria to see if your ducks are in a row. If they are not in a row try scheduling 15 minutes per. day to work on them.

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