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Before the meeting

Get your request in order.

This checklist is for U.S. small-business owners and commercial real-estate investors preparing for a conversation with a commercial lender. Use it to organize a clearer starting point; it is preparation guidance—not a lending decision or a prediction of approval.

Completing this checklist does not guarantee approval.

01

Business

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

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.

02

Financial

Collect the operating records and obligations relevant to the request.

Financial

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.

03

Ownership and authority

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

Ownership and authority

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.

04

Property

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

Property

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.

Next steps

After reviewing the checklist, use these resources to organize your request and prepare for the lender conversation.

Prepare your loan request

Organize the amount, purpose, project costs, and supporting details in the browser-local worksheet.

Prepare your loan request →

Get ready for the lender meeting

Review common lender questions and a practical checklist of what to bring to the meeting.

Get ready for the lender meeting →

Some items may apply only to your situation. Lender requirements vary by lender and transaction; use the questions that fit your situation and confirm the lender’s requested periods, documents, and transaction-specific requirements.

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