Need a loan to start or expand your business? Nearly a decade after the financial crisis of 2008, many banks remain hesitant about loaning money to start-ups and small business owners. Stricter lending policies often make applying for financing a nerve-wracking and time-consuming process. Here are some ways to give your loan application a leg up on other applicants.

Think like a Lender

At the most basic level, a lender has these questions in mind:

• How much money do you want?
• How do you plan to use the loan proceeds?
• When do you need the funds?
• How soon can you repay the loan?

First, he or she wants to know basic background information. You’ll need to explain your business and how it’s been financed to date. This includes your personal cash infusions, forgone salaries and sweat equity, as well as any equity contributions from friends, family members and outside investors.

Banks generally offer two types of financing: lines of credit and asset-based loans. A line of credit is primarily used to meet working capital fluctuations. It’s generally considered short-term, and banks may expect repayment within the next year. In practice, however, most businesses keep their revolving credit lines open for many years, occasionally drawing and repaying funds based on operating cash flow.

Asset-based loans are for specific items. They usually fund equipment purchases or plant expansions. With asset-based loans, the length of the loan is usually tied to the life of the asset that’s financed — and that asset is usually pledged as collateral for the loan. Banks generally don’t allow business owners to finance 100% of an asset purchase. Instead, you’ll probably be expected to contribute a reasonable down payment.

Remember the Three C’s

Banks want to lower their risk, so the central theme of your loan application should be, “This is how you’ll get your money back.” Before approving a loan request or deciding on the loan terms, your lender will assess the three C’s:

Character. The strength of the management team — its skills, reputation, training and experience — is a key indicator of whether a business loan will be repaid. Banks also look at the company’s track record with creditors. This includes business credit reports and trade references from key suppliers. The latter tend to be submitted by businesses without established credit histories and those who deal with smaller suppliers that don’t report to credit agencies.

Capacity. Underwriters want to know how you’ll use the loan proceeds to increase cash flow enough to make loan payments by the maturity date. To determine your ability to repay the loan, lenders will evaluate past and projected financial statements, as well as your business plan.

Collateral. These are the assets pledged in the event that you don’t generate enough incremental cash flow to repay the loan. It’s a lender’s back-up plan in case your financial projections fall short. Examples of collateral include real estate, savings, stock, inventory and equipment.

Additionally, an owner’s personal credit will be factored into the lending decision for the business, and the bank will likely require a personal guarantee from the owners. So, expect to share personal financial details and put your personal assets on the line to secure the debt, even if your business is incorporated.

Be Prepared

When applying for a loan, lenders don’t want you to “wing it.” They want serious borrowers who are invested in their businesses and aware of their financial condition and performance. Here are five tips for putting your best foot forward:

1. Take time writing narratives and projecting future growth.

2. Ask someone else to proofread your writing to ensure that it’s clear, concise, objective and accurate.

3. Always double check your math when calculating ratios and building financial projections.

4. Be realistic about your strengths and market opportunities.

5. Be honest about your weaknesses and potential threats to your growth.

Lenders have seen all kinds of business plans and financial projections — and they know how to critically evaluate the underlying assumptions. Where possible, support your assumptions with market data and research.

Compile a Formal Package

Before meeting with your lender, put together a comprehensive loan package that includes:

• A narrative “statement of purpose,”
• Three years of business financial statements (including balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flow), if available,
• Three years of business tax returns, if available,
• Personal financial statements and tax returns for all owners,
• Appraisals for assets pledged as collateral,
• Your business plan, and
• Prospective financial statements.

If your lender thinks you’ll make a viable borrower, he or she will give your application to the bank’s underwriting committee. Underwriters will have greater confidence in your historic and prospective financial statements if they’re prepared by a CPA and conform to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Also, remember that this list is just a starting point. Lenders may ask for additional information, such as interim financial statements, lease agreements and marketing brochures.

Afraid of Rejection?

Lenders don’t approve every loan application. So, don’t give up if one bank turns you down. Ask why the application was denied and fix the problem when making future loan requests.

To increase your chances of getting approved, consult with your professional financial advisors. They’re familiar with the loan application process and can help you compile a comprehensive loan package, as well as preparing realistic business plans and prospective financial statements.