SME Loan Document Checklist

Core company documents

These documents help funders confirm who owns and operates the business.

• SSM registration or company incorporation documents
• Business address and contact details
• Director, partner, or owner identification
• Shareholder or ownership structure
• Licenses or permits where relevant

Financial documents

Financial documents should support the same story as your application. If revenue, expenses, or liabilities are unclear, funders may delay or reject the application.

• Latest financial statements or management accounts
• Six to twelve months of bank statements
• Tax filings where available
• Accounts receivable and payable summaries
• Existing loan or facility details

Business evidence

Business evidence helps funders see that the company is active and that the funding purpose is grounded in real operations.

• Sales invoices and receipts
• Contracts, purchase orders, or letters of award
• Customer pipeline or order book
• Supplier quotations for planned spending
• A short business profile and funding plan

Practical preparation plan

Checklist before speaking with banks, P2P platforms, investors, or advisors

• Confirm company registration and owner or director details are current.
• Gather recent bank statements, management accounts, invoices, contracts, and tax or compliance records where relevant.
• Write a plain-language use-of-funds note that explains amount, purpose, timing, and repayment logic.
• Prepare conservative cashflow notes that show how the business can handle obligations under normal and slower months.

30-day preparation plan

• Week 1: organize core company documents and list missing records.
• Week 2: reconcile revenue, expenses, receivables, and supplier obligations.
• Week 3: draft the funding goal, use-of-funds note, and first cashflow assumptions.
• Week 4: review gaps with an accountant, consultant, advisor, or internal finance owner before any external submission.

90-day readiness roadmap

• Days 1-30: clean records and prepare the first funding story.
• Days 31-60: improve cashflow visibility, document evidence, and governance notes.
• Days 61-90: compare suitable funding conversations and prepare questions for banks, platforms, investors, or advisors.

Frequently asked questions