01 / PREPARATION
Before you explore financing.
Define the amount, use of funds and timing. Gather recent financial statements and a clear picture of your current obligations.
Read the checklist ↓Your preparation checklist.
- A clear description of the funding purpose and desired amount.
- Your preferred timeline and any firm deadlines.
- Recent business financial information and bank statements, if requested.
- Existing debt, repayment commitments and any pledged security.
- A realistic cash-flow view of how repayments could be supported.
Compare the complete offer.
Ask for a breakdown of interest, fees and total repayment. Understand the frequency of repayments, any personal guarantees or collateral, early repayment conditions and what happens if a payment is missed.
Consider the fit over time.
A short operating need and a long-lived asset may call for different structures. Consider the useful life of the investment, cash-flow timing and the flexibility your business may need.
These resources provide general information. They do not replace advice from an accountant, lawyer or other qualified adviser about your circumstances.