If you need funding to start or expand your Business, you will need to write an elaborate business plan. Apart from the standard qualification factors for small business loans, such as credit score, assets, and credit history, lenders also require a sound business plan from all loan applicants. A good business plan reveals your business structure and how you will run and grow your venture over time. This blog provides all the information you need to create a winning business plan for a loan application.

What is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a written outline that you present to business financiers, whether traditional financial or alternative lending institutions, whom you hope to finance your venture. With a solid business plan, you can pitch to investors and funding organizations, allowing you to share the goals of your business idea and the milestones you need to reach to build a profitable business. A successful business plan also guides your company through an established roadmap to ensure you are on track to meet the goals outlined in your plan.

Do you Need a Business Plan to Get a Loan?

A business loan is funding that a financial institution provides to a business or company for it to run its daily operational activities. If you want to secure financing for your business, you will have to write a business plan that answers many important questions about your business plans. 

The following are some of the reasons why a detailed business plan is integral to the bank loan application process:

• Establishes Authenticity: A loan proposal plan allows you to demonstrate to the lender you have in-depth knowledge of your business, its capabilities, and how it operates within its industry. Since it is a clear and concise document, a business plan also makes it much easier for lenders to understand how you arrive at your numbers, including loan payments. 
• Provides Clarification: A plan also provides an opportunity for the lender to ask questions and seek clarifying details that may not be clear from your application information alone. This way, the lender understands what they are loaning money to and how they will recover their funds. 

How to Create a Business Plan for a Loan

Business plans have different sections depending on the objectives. However, any business plan template will have the following key sections:

Executive Summary

The executive summary is one of the most crucial elements of your business plan. An executive summary acts as a snapshot of your plan and provides a general overview of what you are proposing. It is designed to capture the reader’s attention and briefly explain the key components of your business, including the objectives, the problems you intend to solve, your target audience, and primary financial information, including financial projections. When writing this section, include the following details:

• A statement detailing the reason for your business loan application
• Details on the amount of funding you want to borrow, your repayment plan, and the interest rate
• A clear description of how you will you the loan
• Details on business financial information (past financial records and financial projections)
• The impact that your business loan will likely have on your company and the entire industry

Company Description

A company description or a business description summarizes what your company does, its purpose, and what makes it unique. It is a crucial segment of your business plan following your executive summary. Because it is one of the first pieces of information your potential lender sees, a good company description makes for a great first impression. The following are some of the elements to include in a business description:

• Business Name: List the official names of your business and include the names of the owners and critical members of your management team.
• Business Structure: list what type of business you are operating. It could be a limited liability company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, partnership, or any other type of corporation.
• Business Goals: provides details on the purpose of your business, including what you aim to achieve with your business. This should cover both short and long-term goals.
• Target Customers: provide details on your target market. Explain the people you sell to and why they will purchase your service or product.
• Competitive Advantages: detail what makes your business unique from your competitors. Mention the things that will make your company succeed and become a front-runner in the market.
• Business Location and Opening Dates: include business headquarters and all the areas of operations. You should also share when you plan to open your business if you haven’t already.
• Products and services: mention the products and services you are offering the customers.

Industry / Market Analysis

Industry analysis or market analysis provides a general assessment of the industry environment where you compete. Your analysis provides the dynamics of the market, including its size, potential, and risks. Excellent industry analysis provides the following information:

• The strengths and weaknesses of your industry
• The strategies you will employ to compete in your industry
• The trends in the industry that can affect its future success
• Potential risks and struggles
• A specific niche in the market

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section in a plan helps the lender understand your target customers and why they will buy from you. When writing this section, include the following information:

• The target audience and individual customer segments
• The number of potential customers within your target market
• The much the customers spend now and in future

Competitive Analysis

A competitive analysis section overviews the industry’s competitive landscape and how you plan to compete against your competitors. Include the following details when writing a competitive analysis section:

• Your competitors’ strengths and shortfalls
• The strategies you will use to outcompete them
• Your companies competitive advantages over the competitors

Marketing Plan

This section provides details on your marketing strategy. It should include customer acquisition costs and the strategies you will employ to reach potential customers. It should also mention the people responsible for implementing each part of the marketing plan as well as the marketing costs.

Operations Plan

An operation plan section describes how your company operates currently and how it will operate once the loan funds are injected. Mention what you have implemented in the last 12 months that has resulted in increased revenue, decreased expenses, and improved efficiency. You should also mention your plans to operate efficiently with the proceeds.

Management Team

The management section describes the personnel structure of your business. It details the names and responsibilities of each member of your team. It also provides their qualifications and how their roles will change once you receive the loan proceeds.

Financial Plan

The financial plan section of a business plan describes your company’s financial statements, including your projected balance sheet, projected income statements, and cash flow statements covering the next 3 to 5 years. You should also provide a five-year break-even analysis while explaining how you arrived at your cash flow numbers. Remember to include interest and loan repayments.

Appendix

The appendix section provides all the supporting documents for any claim in your business plan. The documents may include:

• Loan agreement
• Applicable business licenses and permits
• Organizational chart
• Resumes of members of the management team
• Copies of contracts, leases, and other agreements
• Complete financial statements and projects

Attach these documents to your business plan in a separate file when applying for a business loan.

Get Fast and Affordable Small Business Loans from Lendified

To finance any business venture, a traditional business plan is essential to convince lenders or investors that they will see a return if they decide to invest in your business. If you have done your due diligence in this regard, and you are still struggling to find advantageous financing, Lendified can help. 

Lendified provides convenient small business loans to companies across Canada. Serving a wide range of industries, Lendified can help you secure construction loans, equipment loans, loan refinancing and much more. If you have questions about getting the right financing for your business, contact Lendified to speak with an expert. 

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