Banking
Templates and guides
Downloadable checklists, worksheets, and plain English guides for a business loan conversation. Educational use only, not an offer of credit.
Loan package checklist (PDF, XLSX)
Most loan delays come down to missing paperwork. This checklist lists the documents lenders commonly request, starting with a core list for most requests and adding items for lines of credit, equipment, expansion, real estate, business purchases, and SBA loans. Each lender differs, so use it to get a head start.
- Start with the core list, then add the list for your type of loan.
- Check items off (or use the status dropdown in the spreadsheet) as you gather them.
- Ask your lender for their checklist and compare. Fill in anything extra they need.
12-month cash flow projection (XLSX)
Profit and cash are not the same thing, especially in seasonal businesses. This spreadsheet maps cash coming in and going out month by month and flags any month where you would run short. It includes a filled-in example for a fictional landscaping company so you can see how seasonality plays out.
- Enter your starting cash, first month, and a cash cushion you are comfortable with.
- Fill in expected cash receipts and payments for each month in the yellow cells.
- Look for red (short) and amber (below cushion) months, and plan for them early.
SBA 7(a) and 504 prep guide (PDF)
A plain-English guide to SBA's two main loan programs: what each is for, how they differ, the basic eligibility rules, the forms you will see, the steps, common mistakes, and questions to ask a lender. SBA facts are cited to SBA.gov and were checked on October 1, 2026.
- Read the side-by-side comparison to see which program fits your project.
- Check the eligibility basics and start gathering documents with the checklist.
- Bring the "questions to ask a lender" page to your first meeting.
DSCR worksheet (XLSX)
The spreadsheet version of the DSCR calculator, with room for up to five existing loans and a proposed loan. It shows your ratio, your cushion, and the most annual debt service your cash flow could support at a commonly cited benchmark. A filled-in example is included.
- Enter net income and add-backs from your most recent full year.
- List your current loan payments and the proposed loan.
- Read the result and the plain-English explanation. Save a copy for each scenario you want to compare.
Personal financial statement walkthrough (PDF)
If you personally guarantee a business loan, your lender will ask for a personal financial statement. This walkthrough explains each section in plain English, from assets and liabilities to contingent liabilities and the real estate schedule, and lists the mistakes that most often slow things down.
- Gather the statements listed on page 1.
- Get your lender's PFS form or the current SBA Form 413 from SBA.gov, and follow along section by section.
- Check your work against the common mistakes list before you sign and date it.
Sources and uses worksheet (XLSX)
For bigger projects like buying a building, expanding, or buying a business, lenders want to see every dollar the project costs and every dollar paying for it. This worksheet lines them up and tells you if they balance or if there is a gap. The example shows a fictional dental practice buying its building.
- List every cost in Uses, including closing costs and a contingency.
- List every source of money in Sources, including your own cash.
- Check the Status line. If there is a gap, adjust the project or line up more funding before you apply.
Estimates for education only. Not an offer of credit or a promise of approval. Actual terms depend on the lender and credit approval. Not affiliated with any employer. Read the full disclaimer.