If you run a small business, then you know that it can be difficult to grow your business without adequate cash flow. This is where small business loans come into play. If you’re interested in a small business loan, here is what you need to know ahead of time.

Before the Application

Before you apply, you need to look at your finances. Make sure that you know your personal credit and business credit score. The better your credit score, the more likely you are to be looked at for the loan of your choice.

Know the Facts During the Application

It’s important to know what’s going on when you apply for small business loans. First, think about your credit scores, higher is always the better option. As a small business owner, you need to figure out how much you need and how much you can afford. This will allow you to make specific, targeted requests. Likewise, make sure that you studied your financial documents enough to know them closely.

Prepare Your Documents

Once you analyze your credit, you can gather the documents that you need to apply for the loan. You’re going to need financial statements, accounts receivable and payable along with tax returns. These documents will help the lender decide whether they should approve your application.

Know Your Offer

If your loan application lands you an offer, it’s time to figure out what that offer means. The lender uses your business financials to figure out what type of loan to offer you. Their offer will include the APR and interest rate. These are based on your credit score.

It’s important that you understand the difference between interest rates and APR. The interest rate is the principal amount that the lender charges you when you accept the loan. The APR, on the other hand, represents the yearly average of interest that you pay.

Accept the Offer

You’ve assembled all of your financials, analyzed your credit and finished your small business loan application. Once everything goes through and you have terms on the table, you can decide whether you want to accept them. If the terms are favorable, then go right ahead and accept the offer.

When it comes time to get a small business loan, it’s important that you have the best terms possible. Make sure to go about it in a transparent way, so that you know what you’re getting into. All of the terms should be as clear as possible. Small business loans provide you with the tools to grow your business.