Once you have decided to apply for a loan guaranteed by the SBA, you will need to collect the appropriate documents for your application. The SBA does not provide direct loans. The process starts with your local lender, working within SBA guidelines.

Use the checklist below to ensure you have everything the lender will ask for to complete your application. Once your loan package is complete, your lender will submit it to the SBA. Read more about the SBA loan application process.

1. SBA Loan Application – To begin the process, you will need to complete an SBA loan application form. Access the most current form here: Application for Business Loan - SBA Form 4.

2. Personal Background and Financial Statement – To assess your eligibility, the SBA also requires you complete the following forms:

• Statement of Personal History - SBA Form 912
• Personal Financial Statement - SBA Form 413

3. Business Financial Statements – To support your application and demonstrate your ability to repay the loan, prepare and include the following financial statements:

• Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement – This must be current within 90 days of your application. Also include supplementary schedules from the last three fiscal years.
• Projected Financial Statements – Include a detailed, one-year projection of income and finances and attach a written explanation as to how you expect to achieve this projection.

4. Ownership and Affiliations – Include a list of names and addresses of any subsidiaries and affiliates, including concerns in which you hold a controlling interest and other concerns that may be affiliated by stock ownership, franchise, proposed merger or otherwise with you.

5. Business Certificate/License – Your original business license or certificate of doing business.   If your business is a corporation, stamp your corporate seal on the SBA loan application form.

6. Loan Application History – Include records of any loans you may have applied for in the past.

7. Income Tax Returns – Include signed personal and business federal income tax returns of your business’ principals for previous three years.

8. Résumés – Include personal résumés for each principal.

9. Business Overview and History – Provide a brief history of the business and its challenges. Include an explanation of why the SBA loan is needed and how it will help the business.

10. Business Lease – Include a copy of your business lease, or note from your landlord, giving terms of proposed lease.

11. If You are Purchasing an Existing Business – The following information is needed for purchasing an existing business:

• Current balance sheet and P&L statement of business to be purchased
• Previous two years federal income tax returns of the business
• Proposed Bill of Sale including Terms of Sale
• Asking price with schedule of inventory, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures

  Related Resources

• SBA Loans and Grants Home Page
• SBA Direct – Explore SBA loan programs and get personalized access to the resources and information you need to apply.
• SBA Community – Loans & Grants Discussion Board: Got questions about getting an SBA loan? Post them here or scroll through existing threads for answers.
• Credit Scores and Factors for Acquiring Financing
• How to Determine Your Financing Needs