Before the meeting

Get your request in order.

Use this checklist to organize a clearer starting point for a conversation with a commercial lender. It is preparation guidance—not a lending decision or a prediction of approval.

Business

Explain what the financing supports and how the request fits the business.

Prepare a concise business overview covering offerings, customers, locations, and operating history.Note the requested amount, intended use of proceeds, and timing.Outline total project cost, funding sources, and expected borrower contribution.Summarize the operating or project plan, key milestones, and anticipated repayment source.

Financial

Collect the operating records and obligations relevant to the request.

Gather business financial statements for the periods requested.Gather business tax returns for the periods requested.Prepare current year-to-date results compared with a prior period.List existing debts, payments, maturities, and recurring obligations.Gather available business bank statements, liquidity information, and a cash-flow forecast with assumptions.

Ownership and authority

Identify the borrowing entity and people authorized to act for it.

Document the borrowing entity’s ownership structure and current ownership percentages.Gather available formation and governing documents for the entity.List names, roles, and contact details for principal owners and any proposed co-borrowers or guarantors.Prepare owner or guarantor financial information and borrowing or collateral authorizations, if requested or applicable.

Property

Organize property and project records when real estate is part of the request.

Record the subject property address, type, intended use, and purchase, refinance, or project status.Gather the purchase agreement or project scope, budget, and timeline, as applicable.For an income-producing property, prepare leases, rent roll, occupancy, and operating income and expense information.List existing property debt or liens, taxes, insurance, and valuation or inspection reports already available.

Each lender and transaction is different. Use the questions that fit your situation and confirm the lender’s requested periods, documents, and transaction-specific requirements.

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