Whether you’re applying for a loan to start out, expand or just make sure your business continues to run smoothly, you’re will need to provide the same basic information to complete your loan application package. The following list, adapted from the Small Business Administration, explains what you will need:

1. Personal Financial Information:

• Signed and dated personal financial statements for owners of 20% or more
• Copies of personal tax returns, including all schedules for 3 years 
• Source/amount of owner's capital 
• Resumés from principals, partners or proprietors
• Credit report (obtained by bank) for owners of 20% or more, dated within 90 days with all derogatory information explained

2. Financial/Business Information:

• Business plan 
• Description/history of the business and operations
• Purpose of the loan 
• Articles of Incorporation or Assumed Name Certificate 
• Cash flow projections for three years (for one year by month; second and third years may be done by quarters) 
• Projected profit and loss statement for three years (for one year by month; second and third years may be done by quarters) 
• Notes to financial projections (assumptions) 
• Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement (for the interim period dated within 90 days of application; start-ups should include opening balance) 
• Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement (for last 3 years) 
• Copies of business income tax returns (for 3 years) 
• Copy of existing facility lease(s)and/or lease(s) to be acquired 
• Schedule of all business term debt, including notes, contract and leases payable 
• Aged accounts receivable listing by account
• Aged accounts payable listing by account
• Credit report (obtained by bank) for the business and owners of 20% or more, dated within 90 days with all derogatory information explained 

3. Collateral Requirements:

• Schedule of capital assets to be acquired with loan proceeds and their cost 
• Appraisal of real estate to be pledged or acquired (obtained by bank) and most recent tax assessment 

4. Franchise (if applicable): Franchise Agreement and FTC Disclosure Report 
 
5. Construction, including leasehold improvements (if applicable):

• Construction contract, contractor qualification statement, architect and/or other key subcontractors
• Copy of performance bond 

Additional Information (if applicable):

• Partnership agreements
• Employment agreements 
• Change of ownership/business acquisition (copy of buy-sell agreement and copy of escrow instructions) 
• Real estate acquisition (copy of sale/purchase agreement and copy of escrow instructions, to include legal description) 
• Real estate refinancing or debt payment – (copies of notes, escrow instructions and settlement statement) 
• Hazardous waste assessment screening(s)/report(s) (obtained by bank) – (Phase 1 or 2 required for gas stations and high environmental risk industries)