Applying for a Business Loan
Before applying for a business loan, you need to have
a cohesive business plan ready which covers your company’s history
and an outline of its long term goals and objectives. Banks also need
to know your company’s plans for future expansion, as well as
an exit strategy that describes how the loan will be paid for should
the business for some reason lose its profitability and hence be forced
to close.
In addition to this, your company’s credit history
and record of trading will also be evaluated in order to determine
the
size of the
loan that can be offered. In the case of new businesses, the applicant’s
own personal credit history will be considered as the applicant’s
property will be put up as security for the loan. This involves a full
credit check to determine the level of risk for the lender. The property’s
value is assessed by the lender so it may lengthen the amount of time
normally required to process a loan application.
Business Link or the
Citizens Advice Bureau in your area can provide you with useful,
unbiased advice regarding taking out a business loan.
If you need further assistance, you can also consider membership
in your local Chamber of Commerce.