How To Get A Business Loan? Requirements and Eligibility

February 2022

Financing your business can be done in many ways but a business loan could be one way of borrowing that doesn’t require the use of crowdfunding or expensive overdrafts. Business loans can enable business owners to borrow money without giving up equity stakes in their business.

 

These types of loans are designed for commercial organisations than individuals, which are paid back by the business owner every month. How much you pay back and how often is  dependent on how much money you’re borrowing and the timescale involved.

 

What is a business loan? 

 

A business loan is an agreement between the business and a lender. The situation involves the lender agreeing to give a certain amount of money to the business and the business owner has to pay them back.


The business owner could use a business loan to spend on extra equipment or the money borrowed could be used more for general use, which may include having extra working capital.

How does a business loan work?

Business loans are very similar to personal loans in how they work. For a business owner, a business loan works by making an application to the lender for a specific amount of money, usually a bank or building society. 

A decision will then be made by the lender on whether they will offer you the loan for your business. If your application is successful, then you will not only receive the money, but you will also have to repay the loan over a set period of time.

What are the types of business loans available for business owners? 

There are various types of business loans that are available for business owners, which can vary depending on the sector your business operates in. However, there are two main types of business loans:

Unsecured business loan 

An unsecured business loan can be taken out without using business assets as security. While this type of business loan can be used for various purposes, you will have to provide a personal guarantee when using an unsecured loan.

Secured business loan 

Unlike an unsecured business loan, a secured business loan is where a business owner uses assets as security. They are useful when it comes to borrowing large amounts, but if you cannot repay the loan, the lender can take the assets to cover their loss. 

What information do you need to make a business loan application? 

When it comes to information for a business loan application, the owner needs to make sure that they have all the documents required for a lender to know how much you’re applying for and how the money will be used. 

Before you apply for a business loan, the following documents will help you in putting together your application:

Business Bank Statements

Financial Statements

Credit Score

Business Tax Returns

Legal Documents

Proof of address and ID for company director(s)

Business loan eligibility and requirements

For business owners, there are set eligibility criteria and requirements when applying for a business loan. In 2022, there are more options available for finding funding sources compared with 10 or 20 years ago.

Business requirements 

The requirements for a business loan have a business component in the application. Here are some of the requirements for how to qualify for a business loan in the UK:

How old your business is

Your credit score

Business’ annual revenue

Personal debt-to-credit ratio

Personal requirements 

Not only are there business requirements that need to be met with a business loan application, but there are also personal requirements that could affect the lender’s decision. 

Here’s some of the personal requirements that are required for a business owner to make a UK-based business loan application:

You have to be at least 18 years old

Have a UK bank account

Your business must be based in the UK

You have to be a UK resident to make a business loan application

Common mistakes to avoid with business loan applications 

When making a business loan application, it is important that you do not make any mistakes when filling out the form. This can harm your application and prevent you from getting the loan. 

There are many common mistakes that business owners make when they apply for business finance via a loan, which may include the following:

Making big changes to your business 

Not being attentive to your credit score

Failing to submit a thorough business plan

Lying on your business loan application

Conclusion

Business loans can be useful for business owners when it comes to accessing additional funding for their business.

White Oak has business development loans that can be used by business owners to help them expand their workforce, as well as take on new challenges that the business is facing right now.

If you are looking for funding, then contact White Oak’s finance expert and we can see if your business is eligible for a business loan.

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