## What the Bank Wants to See for a Business Loan
When you’re applying for a business loan, the bank wants to see that you have a solid business plan, a strong financial history, and a clear path to repayment. Here are some of the things the bank will be looking for:
### A strong business plan
Your business plan should outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. It should show the bank that you have a clear understanding of your market, your competition, and your financial needs.
### A strong financial history
The bank will want to see that you have a strong financial history, both personally and professionally. This includes your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, and your cash flow.
### A clear path to repayment
The bank will want to see that you have a clear path to repayment. This means that you have a plan for how you will use the loan proceeds and how you will repay the loan.
In addition to these three main things, the bank may also consider other factors, such as:
* The type of business you’re in
* The size of your business
* Your experience in the business
* The location of your business
* The collateral you offer
### How to improve your chances of getting a business loan
If you’re planning to apply for a business loan, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting approved:
* **Start with a strong business plan.** Your business plan is the foundation of your loan application, so it’s important to make sure it’s well-written and comprehensive.
* **Build a strong financial history.** The bank will want to see that you have a strong financial history, so make sure to pay your bills on time and keep your credit score high.
* **Develop a clear path to repayment.** The bank will want to see that you have a clear plan for how you will use the loan proceeds and how you will repay the loan.
* **Get collateral.** Collateral is something you offer the bank as security for the loan. This can help to reduce the risk to the bank and improve your chances of getting approved for a loan.
### Conclusion
Getting a business loan can be a great way to finance your business and help it grow. However, it’s important to understand what the bank wants to see before you apply for a loan. By following the tips above, you can improve your chances of getting approved for a loan and getting the financing you need to take your business to the next level.
## Checklist of things the bank will be looking for
**Business plan**
* Executive summary
* Market analysis
* Competitive analysis
* Operations plan
* Marketing plan
* Financial projections
**Financial history**
* Personal credit score
* Business credit score
* Debt-to-income ratio
* Cash flow statement
* Balance sheet
* Income statement
**Path to repayment**
* Use of loan proceeds
* Repayment schedule
* Collateral
## Other factors the bank may consider
* Type of business
* Size of business
* Experience in business
* Location of business
* Collateral