Understanding how a banker looks at an entrepreneur can increase your chances of success in landing the financing you need.
One thing to understand is that a banker will take an objective look at your business and his or her opinion might not jive with your vision.
Sometimes entrepreneurs think they should receive more money than the fundamentals of their business merit. They also often underestimate the riskiness of their project.
Bankers can be your ally
At the same time, entrepreneurs shouldn’t forget that bankers are in business too and need to find and keep clients. That can make them an invaluable resource for new business owners.
Don’t think of your banker only as a source of money, but also as source of advice. A banker sees several business plans a week, so it is safe to say that he or she often has much more experience than the entrepreneur.
You can avoid a potential “no” by stepping back and by taking another look at your business.
Key factors your banker will consider
Whether your plan is to start a business or expand your existing company, here are some key factors a banker is considering when asked for a business loan.
1. Your personal and professional profile
The first thing a banker will be looking at is your character and previous business experience. The first impression counts for a lot. From dress and attitude to the way you present your project, the banker will be trying to assess your ability to manage the business.
An updated CV underlining your skills and expertise related to the business should be on your check-list.
2. The viability of your project
The first question the banker has to answer when looking at your business plan is: “How realistic is it?”
The viability of your project will be assessed in terms of the strengths, the opportunities and the risks presented in your business plan, including financial forecasts, the management team’s experience and the marketing and sales strategy.
You have to convince the banker that your business can become viable and that you are ready to take it there.
3. Your financial capacity
Having a solid credit history says a lot about your trustworthiness and ability to run a successful, profitable business.
A willingness to put a significant amount of money into your business will show your lender that you are committed to the project and willing to share the risk. The banker will also need to know how you are going to use the money, when and how you are going to repay your small business loan and whether there’s any security that can be pledged against it such as equipment, buildings or personal property. It might take two or three meetings to sort everything out.
4. Your knowledge of the market and the competition
The banker wants to see that you have built your plan based on a sound analysis that takes into account the market, the competition and the economic context. Do your own research and show that you know the trends, the opportunities and the risks.
This boosts your credibility. A simple, concise presentation of facts and figures will back up your statements and business plan.
Contact Pinnacle Capital Partners to walk you through this very important process!
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