Before you apply: bring your books up to date; prepare recent financial statements; build a realistic cash-flow forecast; write down exactly how much you need, what it is for and how you will repay it; and gather your business and tax documents. Every lender has its own checklist, so ask for it early and fill the gaps before you submit.
Step 1. Bring your books up to date
Every other step depends on this one. A lender cannot assess numbers that are months behind. Record every sale, cost and bank movement, and check your records against your bank statements, line by line (this is called a bank reconciliation).
Step 2. Prepare recent financial statements
Lenders want to see how the business has performed. Prepare your most recent financial statements, and management accounts (simple monthly reports of income and costs) for the months since.
Step 3. Build a realistic cash-flow forecast
Show the money expected in and out, month by month, including the loan repayments. Be honest: a forecast a lender can believe is worth more than an optimistic one.
Step 4. Write a clear plan for the money
State how much you need, exactly what it will be used for, and how and when it will be repaid. Keep it short and clear: one page can be enough.
Step 5. Gather your documents
A lender may ask for business registration documents, tax records, bank statements and details of any security (collateral), such as property or equipment, that you can offer. Lists differ, so ask each lender for theirs early.
Step 6. Check for gaps before you apply
Go through the lender’s checklist line by line, and fix what is missing before you submit. Our Funding Readiness Assessment does this for you: a lender-style checklist and gap report.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to get ready?
It depends on the state of your books. If they are up to date, preparation can be quick. If they are behind, bringing them up to date comes first.
Can FORTRESSFORT guarantee my loan?
No. Loan decisions belong to the lender. We guarantee our process, never outcomes outside our control. We prepare clear, complete plans and numbers that a lender can assess quickly.
What is a Funding Readiness Assessment?
A lender-style checklist and gap report for owners seeking a loan or investment. It shows what a lender will look for, and what is missing.
General information only, not advice for a specific business or person. If you would like advice on your own situation, book a conversation.