The Document Checklist for SBA and Real Estate Financing

The single biggest cause of delay on longer-term financing isn't underwriting — it's waiting on documents. Assembling the set before you apply routinely saves weeks, and it changes how seriously the file is treated.

Business documents

• Business tax returns, typically for the last two to three years, with all schedules
• Year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet
• Business bank statements, often the most recent three to twelve months
• Accounts receivable and accounts payable aging reports
• A debt schedule: every existing loan, lease and advance with balance, payment and maturity

Entity and ownership documents

• Formation documents: articles, operating agreement or bylaws
• EIN confirmation and certificate of good standing
• Ownership breakdown for all significant owners
• Licenses, permits and certifications relevant to your industry
• Current business lease, if you rent your space

Personal documents for each significant owner

• Personal tax returns, generally the same number of years as the business
• Personal financial statement listing assets and liabilities
• Government-issued identification
• Résumé or summary of relevant industry experience

Transaction-specific documents

• Buying a business: seller's returns and financials, letter of intent or purchase agreement — see buying an existing business
• Buying property: purchase contract, appraisal, environmental report where required, rent roll and leases for tenanted property
• Equipment or construction: itemized quotes and contractor bids
• Projections: usually two years, with the assumptions written down

For shorter, faster products the list is much lighter — see how to qualify for a business loan. FundPath's free assessment produces a document checklist matched to the paths that actually fit your situation, so you're not gathering paperwork for products you won't use.