FREE CHECKLIST
Lender readiness checklist
What lenders commonly look at before they fund a small business — and how to check where you stand before you apply.
Every lender sets its own criteria. This checklist covers areas that are commonly reviewed; it is educational and does not guarantee approval for any product.
1. Business foundation
Lenders first confirm your business is real, registered and consistent.
- Business is registered with your state and shows active / good standing
- You have an EIN from the IRS (not just your SSN)
- Business name, address and phone match everywhere: state filing, IRS, bank, website and listings
- You have a business address that is not a PO box
- You hold any licenses or permits your industry requires
2. Business credibility
A business that looks established online is easier to verify.
- A professional website on your own domain
- A business email address on that domain
- A listed business phone number
- Business listings (for example Google Business Profile) with the same details
3. Financial records
Most lenders want to see how money moves through the business.
- A dedicated business bank account, with personal and business spending kept separate
- Recent business bank statements (commonly the last 3–12 months)
- A profit and loss statement and, where available, a balance sheet
- Business tax returns for the years you have filed
- A clear picture of your monthly revenue and existing debt payments
4. Credit profile
Personal and business credit are both commonly reviewed.
- You know your personal credit standing and have checked your reports for errors
- You understand how business credit files work and whether your business has one
- Accounts are paid on time and balances are kept manageable
- Any trade or vendor accounts are in the business name
5. Funding preparation
Being clear on what you need makes applications stronger.
- You know how much you need and exactly what it will be used for
- You know which funding types fit your stage (for example SBA loans, lines of credit, equipment financing)
- You understand typical requirements such as time in business and minimum revenue
- Your documents are organized in one place, ready to share
Want to know where you stand on each step?
Kredura members take a readiness assessment covering these five areas, get a score with priorities, and work through guided missions to close each gap.
See how Kredura works