Small Business Funding Workshop Series: Ready to Borrow

Session 1: Preparing to Borrow

• Understanding debt financing and when it’s the right fit
• Assessing your business’s financial readiness
• What lenders look for (character, capacity, capital, collateral, conditions)
• Key documents: business plan, cash flow projections, P&L, personal financial statement
• Homework: Gather your financials and outline your funding need

Session 2: Finding and Applying for a Loan

• Overview of lenders: banks, CDFIs, nontraditional lenders, town RLFs, etc.
• Matching your business to the right funding source
• Understanding the loan application process (forms, documentation, timeline)
• Strengthening your application and presenting your story
• Guest option: local lender or town RLF representative
• Homework: Draft your loan request summary

Session 3: After Approval — Closing & Repayment

• What happens after you’re approved (closing process, agreements, collateral)
• Understanding loan terms, covenants, and repayment obligations
• Managing your loan responsibly and communicating with your lender
• Preparing for future borrowing and building long-term lender relationships
• Q&A and wrap-up: next steps and available local resources