Small Business Development Center

Preparing For a Small Business Loan

SBDC’s do not act as lending institutions, nor do they provide grants. However, the center tries to match the client with lending institutions that have financing programs that suit their business needs. Information on financing programs available at the local, state and federal level can be obtained from the DCEO financing matrix. In order to prepare for a business loan, the following items must be included in your loan package:

• A sound business plan
• 24 months cash flow projections
• 3 years of personal tax returns
• A personal financial statement
•  A good credit record

If you are already in business you will need to have...

• Past 3 years of business tax returns
• Balance sheets and profit and loss statements
• List of assets and existing debt

So where do I start?

• Get professional help from the SBDC
• Obtain SIUE SBDC Business plan Outline
• Understand your credit
• Fill-out Personal Financial Statement