Every document lenders usually ask about, in plain English: what it is, why they ask, and where to get it. Your pre-screen results show the short list tailored to your answers — this page is the full reference.
These document tools are free to use without an account; printing uses a free verified account. Official forms are completed on sba.gov or on paper — never type personal details into this website.
Who you are, who owns the business, and the papers that prove it.
What it is. A signed permission page that lets the lender pull credit and verify the information you provide.
Why lenders ask. Lenders need your written consent before they check credit or share your file for SBA review.
Where to get it. The lender provides it — read it before signing.
My notes:
What it is. The lender's application package plus SBA's borrower information form, covering who owns the business, the loan request, and any government financing history.
Why lenders ask. It is the starting point of every SBA file — lenders use it for eligibility and background review.
Where to get it. The lender provides the package. You can preview the SBA form on sba.gov; fill it in on sba.gov or on paper, never on this website.
SBA Form 1919 (Borrower Information Form) on sba.gov
My notes:
What it is. A simple chart of who owns what percentage, plus your operating agreement or bylaws and a list of anyone expected to guarantee the loan.
Why lenders ask. Lenders verify everyone with 20% or more ownership, because those owners are usually asked about personal guarantees.
Where to get it. Your own records; your attorney or formation service keeps copies of entity documents.
My notes:
What it is. Identity documents for required owners and guarantors.
Why lenders ask. Lenders confirm identity and citizenship or residency status for eligibility review.
Where to get it. Show originals or copies to the lender directly — never email IDs to anyone you have not verified.
My notes:
What it is. A snapshot of what each owner personally owns and owes — assets, debts, and income.
Why lenders ask. Lenders use it to review repayment ability and to verify where your down-payment money comes from.
Where to get it. Use SBA Form 413 from sba.gov or the lender's own version. Fill it in on sba.gov or on paper, never on this website.
SBA Form 413 (Personal Financial Statement) on sba.gov
My notes:
What it is. A short written explanation of any late payments, collections, or other negative credit items — what happened, when, and what changed.
Why lenders ask. A clear explanation lets the lender consider context instead of only the score.
Where to get it. You write it yourself; free SBDC or SCORE advisors can help you draft it.
My notes:
What it is. Your plan for the legal setup: entity type, proposed owners, EIN and tax registration, licenses, and who can sign.
Why lenders ask. Lenders need a legally formed borrower before a loan can close.
Where to get it. Your state's business filing office and the IRS handle registrations; an attorney or SBDC advisor can walk you through it.
My notes:
What it is. Your business registration or DBA (doing-business-as) filing, licenses, and tax filings under your own name.
Why lenders ask. Lenders confirm the business exists and who is legally responsible for it.
Where to get it. Your county or state filing office, plus your own records.
My notes:
What it is. Articles of organization, operating agreement, ownership schedule, EIN letter, and authorization to borrow.
Why lenders ask. Lenders verify the LLC is in good standing and that the person signing can commit it to a loan.
Where to get it. Your state filing office for articles, your own records for the operating agreement, and the IRS for the EIN letter.
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What it is. Articles of incorporation, bylaws, stock or ownership records, EIN letter, and a board resolution to borrow.
Why lenders ask. Lenders verify the corporation's standing and the authority behind the signature.
Where to get it. Your state filing office, your corporate record book, and the IRS.
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What it is. Partnership agreement, ownership schedule, EIN letter, and partner authorization to borrow.
Why lenders ask. Lenders verify who the partners are and that they agree to the debt.
Where to get it. Your own records; your state filing office for registered partnerships.
My notes:
What it is. Formation papers for a nonprofit, used to review entity type against SBA rules (most SBA loans are for-profit only — ask about the Microloan childcare exception).
Why lenders ask. Entity type drives SBA eligibility, so lenders check it early.
Where to get it. Your state filing office and your IRS determination letter.
My notes:
The numbers lenders verify: history, current results, and the plan.
What it is. Usually the last three years of business returns and each owner's personal returns, plus returns for related (affiliate) businesses.
Why lenders ask. Tax returns are the lender's baseline proof of revenue, profit, and owner income.
Where to get it. Your tax preparer or your own filed copies; the IRS can provide transcripts if copies are missing.
My notes:
What it is. An IRS form (Form 4506-C) that lets the lender request a transcript of your filed returns directly from the IRS.
Why lenders ask. Lenders confirm the returns in the file match what was actually filed.
Where to get it. The lender provides it during underwriting. It is an IRS form, not an SBA form.
My notes:
What it is. Year-to-date profit and loss, a balance sheet, and a list of every business debt with balance and payment.
Why lenders ask. Tax returns go stale; lenders want to see how the business is doing right now.
Where to get it. Your bookkeeping software or bookkeeper can print all three.
My notes:
What it is. An itemized list of what the loan money would pay for, plus where the rest of the project money comes from.
Why lenders ask. Lenders match the loan amount to real costs and check SBA rules on how proceeds can be used.
Where to get it. Build it from written quotes, contracts, and estimates.
My notes:
What it is. Month-by-month or yearly estimates of revenue, costs, and cash — with the assumptions behind them written down.
Why lenders ask. When history is thin or the loan changes the business, lenders test whether repayment looks realistic.
Where to get it. Use the free 12-month projections tool on this site, or your own spreadsheet.
My notes:
What it is. CPA or lender worksheets showing tangible net worth and average after-tax income, used for the SBA 504 financial size screen.
Why lenders ask. 504 eligibility includes a financial size test the CDC must verify against your financials.
Where to get it. Your CPA prepares it from your balance sheet and tax returns.
My notes:
Mostly prepared by the lender — your job is accurate inputs.
What it is. Notes on why the same loan is not reasonably available on conventional terms — for example collateral gaps or limited operating history.
Why lenders ask. SBA guarantees are for borrowers who cannot get comparable conventional credit, and the lender must document that.
Where to get it. Mostly the lender's own memo; your part is explaining any past declines honestly.
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What it is. Lists and paperwork for assets that could secure the loan, plus any existing liens (legal claims by other creditors), tax liens, or payoff amounts.
Why lenders ask. Lenders check what security is available and whether other creditors already have claims on it.
Where to get it. Your own records; the lender runs the official lien searches.
My notes:
What it is. Who is expected to personally guarantee the loan — commonly every 20%-or-more owner — and their signed authorizations.
Why lenders ask. SBA loans generally rely on personal guarantees from significant owners; verify who is required with your lender.
Where to get it. The lender prepares the forms once ownership is confirmed.
My notes:
What it is. Proof of hazard and liability coverage, with the lender listed as loss payee where required.
Why lenders ask. Lenders protect collateral by confirming insurance before closing.
Where to get it. Your insurance agent can issue certificates naming the lender.
My notes:
What it is. The lender's write-up covering size standards, affiliation, use of proceeds, ownership, and credit-elsewhere review.
Why lenders ask. SBA requires the lender to document eligibility; your role is providing accurate inputs.
Where to get it. Prepared by the lender — verify your side of the facts.
My notes:
For new businesses and franchise deals.
What it is. Your written plan, projections, startup budget, and a resume showing relevant experience.
Why lenders ask. Without operating history, the plan and your background carry the repayment story.
Where to get it. Build it free with the business plan tool on this site, then ask an SBDC or SCORE advisor to review it at no cost.
My notes:
What it is. Support for the money you are putting in, what you keep in reserve, opening working capital, licenses, and your pre-opening timeline.
Why lenders ask. Lenders verify your injection money is documented and that you can absorb early surprises.
Where to get it. Bank statements and your startup budget, shown to the lender directly.
My notes:
What it is. The franchise agreement, the franchise disclosure document, and any franchisor approvals or support.
Why lenders ask. Lenders review the franchise terms and brand track record as part of the deal.
Where to get it. The franchisor provides them; keep your signed copies.
My notes:
For change-of-ownership deals.
What it is. The signed or draft agreement laying out the price and terms for buying the business.
Why lenders ask. It defines the exact deal the lender is being asked to review.
Where to get it. Prepared between buyer and seller, usually with an attorney or business broker.
My notes:
What it is. An independent estimate of what the business is worth; SBA deals often use a qualified third-party valuation — verify with your lender.
Why lenders ask. Lenders compare the price you are paying to supportable value.
Where to get it. The lender typically orders it; you provide the financials it relies on.
My notes:
What it is. The seller's financial statements, tax returns, add-back schedule, and debt list.
Why lenders ask. You are buying that cash flow, so the lender verifies it exists.
Where to get it. Request through the broker or seller, usually under a confidentiality agreement.
My notes:
What it is. The amount and terms of any seller note — money the seller lends you as part of the price.
Why lenders ask. Seller notes change the funding structure and sometimes count toward your injection; verify the treatment with the lender.
Where to get it. Negotiated in the purchase agreement.
My notes:
What it is. How the handover works: your resume, the key employees and customers you plan to keep, and post-closing working capital.
Why lenders ask. Lenders test whether cash flow survives the change of ownership.
Where to get it. You write it; free advisors can pressure-test it with you.
My notes:
What it is. How the price splits across assets, the working-capital target, inventory value, and a draft closing statement.
Why lenders ask. The split affects taxes, collateral, and what the loan actually buys.
Where to get it. Your CPA and attorney prepare these with the seller's side.
My notes:
For buying, building, renovating, or refinancing property.
What it is. The signed real estate purchase contract — or for a refinance, current loan statements and payoff details.
Why lenders ask. It defines what is being bought or refinanced and on what terms.
Where to get it. Your real estate agent, escrow company, or current lender.
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What it is. An independent property value estimate plus environmental screening questionnaires or reports.
Why lenders ask. Lenders lend against verified value and must review environmental risk on commercial property.
Where to get it. The lender orders both; you provide property access and history.
My notes:
What it is. Title report, lien and survey review, flood-zone check, hazard insurance, and closing paperwork.
Why lenders ask. Lenders confirm clean ownership and required coverage before closing.
Where to get it. The title or escrow company and your insurance agent.
My notes:
What it is. The math showing your business occupies the required share of the property, plus tenant leases and a rent roll if part is rented out.
Why lenders ask. SBA real estate loans are for owner-occupied property, and the lender documents the split — verify the current occupancy rules with your lender.
Where to get it. Floor plans, leases, and your own occupancy calculation.
My notes:
What it is. Contractor bids, permits, zoning support, a construction budget with contingency, and inspection plans.
Why lenders ask. Construction adds risk, so lenders verify costs and controls before funding.
Where to get it. Your contractor, architect, and local permitting office.
My notes:
What it is. Extra review items for historic buildings, unusual uses, utilities, and site access.
Why lenders ask. Special properties can affect value, insurance, and resale, so lenders flag them early.
Where to get it. Your local planning office and property records.
My notes:
For equipment and machinery purchases.
What it is. Vendor quotes or invoices covering the equipment plus installation, delivery, training, and expected useful life.
Why lenders ask. Lenders size the loan from real costs and check that the equipment outlasts the loan.
Where to get it. Request written quotes from your vendors.
My notes:
What it is. Serial numbers, lien search results, insurance needs, and collateral details for the equipment.
Why lenders ask. Equipment often secures the loan, so lenders document exactly what secures it.
Where to get it. Vendor paperwork; the lender runs the lien searches.
My notes:
For inventory, receivables, seasonal, and project-based needs.
What it is. AR and AP aging reports (who owes you, whom you owe, and how old the balances are), an inventory report, and customer or vendor concentration notes.
Why lenders ask. For working-capital requests, these show the cash cycle the loan supports.
Where to get it. Your bookkeeping software prints the agings; you write the concentration notes.
My notes:
What it is. A borrowing-base certificate — the report that ties a credit line to receivables and inventory — plus advance-rate assumptions and monitoring readiness.
Why lenders ask. Monitored lines need regular reporting, and lenders check you can produce it.
Where to get it. Lender templates combined with your bookkeeping reports.
My notes:
What it is. Contracts, purchase orders, backlog, retainage, and a month-by-month cash-flow schedule.
Why lenders ask. They show the demand and timing the working capital bridges.
Where to get it. Your sales records; the projections tool on this site can help with the schedule.
My notes:
What it is. How the money comes back, whether you need term money, a reusable line, or both, and any expectation to pay the line down periodically.
Why lenders ask. Different working-capital needs point to different products, and lenders match structure to source.
Where to get it. You describe it in your own words; your pre-screen results can help frame it.
My notes:
For export sales and foreign receivables.
What it is. Export orders or contracts and details of what foreign customers owe you.
Why lenders ask. Export loans are sized around and supported by these transactions.
Where to get it. Your sales contracts and invoices.
My notes:
What it is. Notes on country, customer, currency, payment, shipping, and trade-finance risk.
Why lenders ask. Lenders review cross-border risk before financing export working capital.
Where to get it. You draft them; a U.S. Export Assistance Center can advise at no cost.
My notes:
What it is. Your plan for export sales, support for foreign receivables and inventory, and which SBA export route to ask about (Export Express, EWCP, International Trade, or WCP).
Why lenders ask. The route determines what documentation the lender needs.
Where to get it. Write it with help from an export finance manager or an SBDC international trade advisor.
My notes:
For manufacturers, including MARC/WCP working-capital lines.
What it is. Your manufacturing NAICS classification and a plain description of what you make in-house.
Why lenders ask. Manufacturing routes such as MARC verify that the business actually manufactures.
Where to get it. Your tax returns show the NAICS code; you write the description.
My notes:
What it is. Production cycle timing, inventory build, supplier and customer contracts, purchase orders, and backlog.
Why lenders ask. They show the working-capital timing the loan supports.
Where to get it. Your operations records and contracts.
My notes:
What it is. The purpose of the revolving line, borrowing-base support, collateral monitoring, and annual review readiness.
Why lenders ask. Manufacturing lines are monitored, so lenders confirm reporting readiness up front.
Where to get it. Lender templates combined with your bookkeeping reports.
My notes:
Extra items lenders often ask about in specific industries.
What it is. Equipment and buildout quotes, lease terms, permits, opening working capital, and vendor quotes.
Why lenders ask. Food businesses carry heavy buildout and opening costs, so lenders verify the full budget.
Where to get it. Your contractors, vendors, landlord, and local permitting office.
My notes:
What it is. Contracts, backlog, retainage details, bonding, an equipment list, and a mobilization budget.
Why lenders ask. Contractor cash flow is project-based, so lenders verify the pipeline behind repayment.
Where to get it. Your contracts and your bonding agent.
My notes:
What it is. Vehicle or equipment quotes, hauling contracts, insurance, permits, and working-capital cycle notes.
Why lenders ask. Lenders verify the revenue-producing equipment and the contracts behind it.
Where to get it. Dealers, brokers, and your insurance agent.
My notes:
What it is. Equipment, facility, and inventory support plus purchase orders, supplier and customer contracts, and MARC/WCP working-capital notes.
Why lenders ask. They connect the loan to production capacity and real demand.
Where to get it. Your vendors, customers, and operations records.
My notes:
What it is. Equipment quotes, professional licenses, payer and receivable notes, lease or buildout details, and the working-capital cycle.
Why lenders ask. Lenders verify licensing and how insurance-payer timing affects cash.
Where to get it. Licensing boards, equipment vendors, and your billing reports.
My notes:
What it is. License status, enrollment and revenue support, facility needs, and for-profit or nonprofit review.
Why lenders ask. Childcare has licensing capacity limits that drive revenue, so lenders verify them.
Where to get it. Your state licensing agency and your enrollment records.
My notes:
This guide is educational. Each lender decides its own document list, and SBA requirements change — verify what your lender wants before gathering everything. SBA form links were checked against sba.gov in July 2026; if a link stops working, use the official forms index at sba.gov/documents.