Get lender-ready. Get funded.
Access to capital is the hurdle that stops more good businesses than any other. We prepare you to approach SBA lenders with a complete, credible loan request, and we help you find the lender that fits.
Every loan decision comes back to the five C's of credit
SBA lenders add a few program rules on top, but these five areas decide most requests. Knowing where you stand before you apply is the difference between a quick yes and a long no.
1Character
Your personal and business credit history, how you handle obligations, and your reputation.
Lenders check: credit scores, late payments, collections, liens, and whether taxes and any federal debts are current.
2Capacity
Whether the business generates enough cash to repay the loan, with room to spare.
Lenders check: tax returns, profit and loss, and debt service coverage. Most want cash flow of at least 1.15 to 1.25 times total loan payments.
3Capital
How much of your own money is in the deal. Owners with something at stake are better risks.
SBA rules generally require at least 10% of the total project from the owner for start-ups and business purchases, from documented, unborrowed funds.
4Collateral
Assets that secure the loan, such as equipment, inventory, receivables or real estate.
SBA lenders take the collateral available. A shortfall is not automatically a decline, but strong collateral helps.
5Conditions
The purpose of the loan, your industry and experience, and the economy around the business.
Lenders check: a clear use of funds, management experience, and a plan that shows how the loan will be repaid.
+SBA eligibility
The business must be for-profit, operate in the U.S., meet SBA size standards and be in an eligible industry.
Ownership and guarantee rules apply: owners of 20% or more generally guarantee the loan, and citizenship rules for owners changed recently, so confirm with your lender.
Matching the loan to the need
SBA 7(a)
The SBA's main program and the most flexible: working capital, equipment, buying a business, real estate and refinancing. Made by banks and other SBA lenders with a partial SBA guarantee.
SBA 504
Long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as buildings and heavy equipment, made through a bank together with a Certified Development Company.
SBA Microloan
Smaller loans through nonprofit intermediary lenders, often a good fit for start-ups and businesses building a track record, usually paired with technical assistance.
Not quite ready for an SBA loan? Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and local lending programs can bridge the gap while you build credit and cash flow. We'll tell you honestly which path fits.
Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, Loans · SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 8 and 2026 updates. Program rules change; terms are confirmed with each lender.
We prepare the request. You present a business lenders can say yes to.
Assess
We review your credit, cash flow, equity and collateral against what lenders require, and identify what needs to be fixed before you apply.
Prepare
We build your lender package: financial statements, projections, use of funds, a concise business summary and the supporting documents, organized the way underwriters expect.
Present
We help you choose the right SBA lenders for your deal, prepare you for their questions, and support you through underwriting to closing.
What a lender package usually includes
Getting these ready early is the single biggest time saver in the process.
- Business tax returns, last 3 years
- Personal tax returns for each 20%+ owner
- Year-to-date profit and loss and balance sheet
- Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413)
- Business debt schedule
- Projections and a use-of-funds breakdown
- Business plan or summary, with management resumes
- Business licenses, entity documents and leases
- Proof of your equity injection
- For purchases: purchase agreement and seller financials
Entrepreneurial Management Services is a consulting firm. We do not lend money, and approval decisions are made by lenders. We help you put your strongest, most complete request forward.