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Business Template

Business Plan Template for Loan Applications

Most business plan templates are written for investors. This one is built for lenders — with section-by-section guidance on what underwriters actually look for.

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A one-page overview of your entire business plan. Write this section last — but put it first. Lenders often decide whether to read further based on this alone.

Questions to answer

  • →What does your business do and who does it serve?
  • →How long have you been in business and where do you operate?
  • →What is your annual revenue (or projected revenue for startups)?
  • →How much are you requesting and what specifically will it be used for?
  • →How will the loan be repaid?

Lender tip: This is the first thing lenders read. Be explicit about the loan amount, the use of funds, and the repayment source. Vague summaries get skipped. One crisp paragraph covering who you are, what you need, and why you can repay it is more effective than two pages of background.

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Underwriting Signals

What Lenders Focus On

Before you submit, make sure your plan addresses these four things clearly.

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

Net operating income ÷ annual loan payments. Most lenders require 1.25x or higher. If your projections don't produce this, reduce the loan amount or show how the funded investment grows income enough to close the gap.

Specific use of funds

"Working capital" is the weakest use-of-funds answer. Line-item specificity — "$48,000 refrigeration unit, $52,000 cargo van" — makes the loan easier to underwrite and signals that you've actually thought through the spend.

Repayment source

Explain exactly how loan payments will be covered. Is it from existing cash flow, a new contract enabled by the investment, or cost savings from more efficient operations? The clearer this is, the less risk the lender perceives.

Owner equity and collateral

Lenders want skin in the game — typically 10–30% owner equity contribution for startup loans. For existing businesses, collateral (equipment, real estate, receivables) strengthens the application and often lowers your rate.

Ready to Apply

Plan Ready. Now Get the Funding.

Get a free estimate and see what similar businesses typically qualify for — before you formally apply anywhere.

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FAQ

Common Questions

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