Business Funding Document Checklist

Security first: This page does not upload, store or send documents. Do not email tax IDs, bank statements, government IDs or other sensitive records unless the intended recipient confirms an authorized secure method.

1. Funding request and plan

Know what the business is requesting

Requested amount and date funds are needed.
Specific business use for the funds.
Budget, quote, invoice or purchase order supporting the use.
Cash-flow forecast showing how scheduled payments would be covered.
Short explanation of any seasonality, recent revenue change or one-time expense.

2. Identity, authority and ownership

Confirm who may act for the business

Current government-issued identification for each requested owner, guarantor or authorized signer.
Legal business name, DBA names, physical address and contact details.
Employer Identification Number or other applicable tax identifier.
Ownership percentages and beneficial-owner information.
Resolution, operating agreement or other evidence of signing authority if requested.

3. Formation and operating records

Show that the business is active and identifiable

Articles or certificate of incorporation, organization or formation.
Operating agreement, bylaws or partnership agreement if applicable.
Business licenses or registrations relevant to the industry and location.
Lease, utility statement or other operating-address support if requested.
Business insurance information if relevant to the provider or collateral.

4. Financial records

Prepare current and historical figures

Requested months of complete business bank statements, including every page.
Current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement.
Current balance sheet.
Business tax returns for the periods requested by the provider.
Personal tax returns if specifically required for the transaction.
Accounts-receivable and accounts-payable aging reports when relevant.
Inventory report or collateral schedule when relevant.
Cash-flow projection with assumptions that can be explained.

5. Current obligations

Make the payment picture complete

Debt schedule listing lender or provider, original amount, current balance, payment and maturity.
Statements for current loans, lines, leases, advances or receivables purchases.
Information about business liens, collateral and personal guarantees.
Tax payment plans, judgments or other material obligations if requested.
Details of any proceeds that would be used to refinance or pay another obligation.

6. Transaction-specific support

Add only what supports the actual request

Equipment quote, serial information or appraisal for equipment financing.
Executed contract, purchase order or project schedule for contract financing.
Customer invoices and aging detail for receivables-based financing.
Property, lease or construction documents for a location project.
Business purchase agreement and due-diligence records for an acquisition.
Franchise disclosure and agreement records for a franchise transaction.

7. Quality-control check before submission

Reconcile and transmit safely

Names, addresses and ownership figures match across records.
Statement pages are complete and readable; no document has been altered.
Revenue and debt figures agree with the application or have a factual explanation.
The recipient's company, role and secure upload method have been verified.
The business retained a copy of everything submitted.
No blank document or incomplete closing agreement will be signed.

8. Written-offer review

Do not stop at approval

Named funding provider and servicer.
Net proceeds available to the business.
Total finance charge or total dollar cost and total repayment.
Payment amount, frequency, first date and final date.
Fees, prepayment terms and renewal conditions.
Collateral, business liens and personal guarantees.
Default events, remedies and dispute terms.

Use the cost guide and calculator to normalize the offer's proceeds, payments and total cost.

Sources and limitations

Providers request different records. This checklist is a preparation aid, not a universal requirement list, approval standard or substitute for the provider's instructions. It is not financial, legal, tax or accounting advice.