Before approaching a lender, business owners should organise the information that explains both the numbers and the story behind the request. The goal is to make the first conversation practical, clear and useful.
1. Be clear on the funding purpose
Lenders want to understand what the funds will be used for. Common purposes include working capital, stock, equipment, vehicles, fit-out, expansion, refinancing or managing short-term cash-flow pressure.
2. Prepare the core documents
- Recent financials — profit and loss, balance sheet and recent management accounts where available.
- Bank statements — recent business statements help show trading activity, revenue patterns and operating expenses.
- Tax and BAS information — up-to-date lodgements and ATO position can affect how a lender assesses the request.
- Director and business details — ABN, entity structure, trading history and director background are often requested early.
3. Understand cash flow and repayment capacity
The key question is whether the business can comfortably service the proposed facility. Revenue, margins, existing commitments and seasonal patterns all matter.
4. Explain what changed and what comes next
If the business has had a weaker month, a large expense, rapid growth or an unusual transaction, it is better to explain it upfront. Good context can make the application easier to understand.
This article is general information only and does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not credit advice and not a loan offer.