Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Discover the power of a comprehensive Business Loan Readiness Assessment and Needs Analysis that can unlock new opportunities for growth. In this article, we delve deep into the key factors that lenders look for when evaluating loan applications. Understanding your business’s background, performance, and future goals is crucial for presenting a compelling case to potential lenders. Whether you need working capital, asset financing, commercial lending, or more, our tailored assessment will help you identify the most suitable financial solutions for your specific needs. Take the first step towards a brighter financial future for your business.
Business Loan Readiness Assessment: Comprehensive Discovery and Needs Analysis
The best chance of approval comes when you are able to transfer your understanding of your business and its needs to the lender (what is not in the financials).
Transferring your knowledge to the lender so they can best understand your business increases your chances of approval.
Section 1: Business Profile Background
- What is the primary function of your business?
- When was your business established?
- What motivated you to start or acquire this business?
- What products or services does your business currently offer?
- What sets your business apart from the competition?
- Do you have a business plan in place?
- How many employees are currently employed by your business?
Business Operation and Conditions
- Are the premises of your business leased or owned?
- If leased, what are the terms of the lease?
- What is the ownership structure of your business?
- Do you anticipate any changes to your corporate structure in the near future?
- Who are the key employees in your business?
- Who are the primary service providers for your business?
- What proportion of your sales do your top 5 clients account for?
- Who are your main competitors, and what are their strengths and weaknesses?
- Who are your key suppliers?
- What is the industry outlook for your business?
Section 2: Business Performance Overview
- Based on your research and review of financials, how would you summarize your business’s performance in the past 6-72 months?
- What are the main factors contributing to the success of your business?
- In which areas do you see room for improvement in your business?
- What are the major challenges you face in maintaining or improving your performance?
- Are there any current or potential economic conditions that could impact your business?
- What emerging trends do you need to address or capitalize on in the next few years?
- What concerns or issues keep you awake at night?
Cash Flow
- Have you created forward budgets for your business?
- How long does your cash cycle take, from ordering stock to collecting cash from customers?
- What payment method do your customers use, and what are the payment terms?
- How do you handle payments to your suppliers, and what are the payment terms?
- Are your Australian Taxation Office (ATO) payments up to date? If not, do you have a payment plan in place?
- Does your business experience seasonal fluctuations?
- Do you encounter short-term funding gaps, and how do you manage them? How do you utilize cash surpluses?
- Do you offer or receive early settlement discounts?
- What is the total value of your inventory, and is it at an appropriate level?
Section 3: Purpose/Request Borrower Information
- What is the exact legal name and structure of the borrower?
- Are there any potential guarantors associated with the loan?
Loan Facility Purpose and Amount
- What is the purpose of the loan facility you are seeking?
- What is the total amount required, including additional costs such as fees, commissions, installation charges, training, related services, or equipment?
- Is the requested loan amount sufficient for your needs?
- When do you need the funds?
- From where will the borrower’s own contribution come? Can you confirm the deposit?
Loan Repayment
- What is the proposed term for the loan?
- What is the source of funds to repay the loan?
- How quickly and easily can cash for loan repayments be accessed?
- What potential risks does your business face?
- Are the current economic conditions favourable, including the overall economic environment, demand for your product or service, industry stability, growth or decline, and seasonal factors?
- Who else needs to be paid or repaid from your business operations?
- What are the principal business activities that will generate the funds to repay the loan?
- Will the funds come from profits, asset sales, directors’ fees, or cash flow?
- What income will the transaction generate for your business?
- Who owns or has control over the repayment source?
- What is the secondary exit strategy, and what valuations are involved?
4: Strategy and Goals Business Strategy
- How do you envision your business in 3-5 years?
- What are your top three strategic goals for the next 7-3 years?
- What critical actions does your business need to take to achieve these strategic goals?
- What are the personal wealth creation goals of the individuals involved, and how are they pursuing them?
- What are your persona I goa Is, and what are the key actions you plan to take to achieve them?
- What is one question you hope a broker will ask but have yet to ask so far?
- What are the three main drivers of success for your business?
- How do you relax and engage in strategic thinking about your business?
- What are your passions and interests outside your business?
- What has been the proudest moment of your professional or personal life?
- If you had unlimited funds to spend on your personal life, where would you allocate them?
- Do you have a succession plan in place?
Section 5: Existing Facilities
- Please provide details of any existing loans, including borrower, limit, balance, purpose, interest-only (10) or principal and interest (P&I), term, variable or fixed rates, and security/value.
Section 6: Client Needs Working Capital
- What is the most significant challenge you face in managing trade flows (domestic and international) and international currencies?
- How do you mitigate the risks associated with international trade?
- Do you utilize trade finance to support your trade flows?
Asset Finance
- What types of capital expenditure do you typically budget for, and do you take advantage of tax benefits?
- Have you considered operating or financing leases to facilitate your expansion?
- Are you planning to purchase assets from overseas?
- Is fleet management a core capability for your business?
- Would a line of credit be preferable for your near-term asset purchases?
Commercial Lending
- Where do you see growth opportunities for your business (organic vs. acquisition), and what are your current borrowing needs?
- Do you plan to modify the debt-to-equity ratio within your business?
- What are your planned debt levels for the next 7-3 years?
Mortgage and Personal Lending
- What are your personal financial goals for the next 7-3 years?
- Do you have any personal borrowing needs?
- What features are important to you when considering mortgage or personal loans?
Currency and Interest Rate Risk Management
- How would significant interest rate fluctuations impact your business?
- Is your business influenced by commodity price movements?
- Do you hedge your currency risk?
Business Insurance
- What insurance coverage do you currently have in place?
- When was your insurance last reviewed?
- Do you work with an insurance broker to manage your risks?
- Is there a buy-sell agreement in place?
Key Person Insurance
- Please provide details of any key person insurance
Financial Advice
- When was the last time you reviewed your personal wealth objectives?
- Would you be open to a referral to a professional advisor for a no-obligation consultation?
CONCLUSION
Empower your business growth with a comprehensive Business Loan Readiness Assessment and Needs Analysis that can pave the way for new opportunities. By understanding the key factors that lenders evaluate, you can present a compelling case and increase your chances of approval.
Whether you need working capital, asset financing, commercial lending, or more, our tailored assessment will help you identify the most suitable financial solutions for your specific needs. Take the first step towards a brighter financial future for your business and book a meeting now to explore the possibilities.
Let us guide you on the path to success with a strategic approach to business finance. Ensure your business is ready to seize every opportunity that comes its way.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult with a professional financial advisor or lender for specific lending decisions.
