Guide · Checklist

The documents you’ll actually need.

No surprise requests halfway through. Here’s the exact checklist — the always-needed basics, the three numbers every lender asks for, and the product-specific add-ons.

ChecklistUpdated May 19, 2026SKReviewed by the Emet credit desk
01

The always-needed basics

Ninety percent of applications need the same short list. Have these ready and most offers come back the same day.

  • Driver’s license or government IDFor every owner with a 20%+ stake.
  • Voided business checkVerifies the account we fund into — or skip it entirely if you link via Plaid.
  • Last 3–6 months of business bank statementsThe single most important document. PDFs from your bank portal, or a secure Plaid link.
Link your bank, skip the busywork

Connect through Plaid and the statements — and often the voided check — are handled automatically. We never re-ask for something we already have.

02

The three numbers

Before any document, every lender wants three numbers. Know them and the conversation moves fast.

NumberWhy it matters
Average monthly revenueSizes how much you can borrow and repay.
Time in businessSeparates a 6-month line from a 2-year SBA loan.
Personal credit (ballpark)Sets the rate band — a soft pull confirms it, no score impact.
03

Product-specific add-ons

Bigger or specialized products ask for a little more. Here’s exactly what’s added, by product — nothing you won’t see coming.

ProductWhat’s added
SBA 7(a)2 years business & personal tax returns, YTD P&L, debt schedule
Equipment financingVendor quote or invoice for the equipment
Invoice factoringA/R aging report and a customer list
Commercial real estatePurchase contract or mortgage statement, rent roll, appraisal

Every one of these is listed up front on the product page — for example, SBA Loans — and shown again as conditions to clear at signing. Same list, start to finish.

Key takeaways
  • 01Three things cover most applications: ID, a voided check, and 3–6 months of bank statements.
  • 02Link your bank and the basics are automatic — nothing gets re-asked.
  • 03Know three numbers up front: revenue, time in business, ballpark credit.
  • 04Bigger products (SBA, CRE) add tax returns and financials — all listed up front.
Four minutes · one soft pull

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