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ameticapital.comSMB capital readiness

Loan-readiness checklist

What lenders ask for, in the order underwriters tend to read it. Check items off as you gather them — your progress is saved in this browser only.

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Documents

2–3 years of business tax returns — full returns, not summaries.
Year-to-date profit & loss and balance sheet — ideally CPA-reviewed or bookkeeper-clean.
6–12 months of business bank statements — shows real cash flow, not just reported income.
Current debt schedule — every loan, lease and line: balance, payment, rate, maturity.

Credit standing

Personal credit checked — most SMB lenders pull the owner's score; know it first.
Business credit profile reviewed — Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or equivalent where applicable.
No unresolved liens, judgments or tax issues — or a written plan to resolve them.
DSCR calculated — run the DSCR calculator; know your number before they ask.

Cash flow & operations

Borrowing power estimated — run the borrowing-power calculator for a sane ask size.
Written use of funds — one page: amount, purpose, expected return or cost avoided.
12-month projections — revenue, expenses and debt service with the new payment included.
Time in business documented — formation docs; 2+ years opens far more lender doors than <1.

Collateral & structure

Collateral inventoried — equipment, receivables, real estate: what secures the loan, with values.
Entity documents current — formation, EIN letter, operating agreement, licenses.
Personal-guarantee position decided — most SMB loans require one; decide with eyes open.
Insurance current — lenders verify coverage before funding.

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This checklist is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Lender requirements vary. See Use & limitations.

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