The ultimate guide for finding and securing the perfect loan for your business.

Why it matters: Securing the right loan for your business can provide the financial fuel needed to support growth, fund projects, or address cash flow gaps. However, navigating the loan landscape can be overwhelming without a clear plan.

Pro tip: When you sign up for Bags, we'll manage these steps with you and help you secure your bag.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Assess Your Financing Needs: Begin by assessing your business's financial needs and goals. Determine the specific reason you're looking for cash (working capital, equipment purchase, inventory, etc.), evaluate the amount of funding you need to pull it off, and consider the repayment terms you'd need to make it fit your cash flow projections.
2. Research Loan Types: Familiarize yourself with different loan options available to businesses (here's a quick breakdown). Each loan type caters to specific needs, so choose one that aligns with your business objectives.
3. Assess Your Business's Eligibility: Once you've identified potential loan types, assess your business's eligibility for each option. Factors such as credit score, business age, annual revenue, and collateral availability may influence your eligibility. Some lenders may have specific industry requirements, so it's essential to understand their criteria. This can help you avoid submitting a bunch of applications that weren't ever going to work out.
4. Prepare Documentation: To secure a loan, you'll need to provide various documents that support your application. Common requirements include business and personal tax returns, financial statements, and bank statements. Gather all necessary paperwork in advance to expedite the application process. Most lenders have a specific list, so try to get your hands on it early and get ready to submit.
5. Stay Open and Available: Throughout the loan application process, maintain open and transparent communication with lenders. Be responsive to their requests for additional information and address any concerns promptly. Building a strong relationship with your lender demonstrates your commitment and reliability, increasing your chances of securing the loan. If you decide not to take the loan, tell them why– you might help the next entrepreneur get a better deal, and you keep the door open with the lender for the future.

Nothing is guaranteed in the process, and every lender acts different. That's why we go deep with all of our partners to ensure they're giving good deals in a format that works for entrepreneurs. Bags is here for you, and we're on call to help you secure your bag.