Accessing funding can be critical to successfully start, grow, and expand a small business, and getting approved for business loans is challenging in the current lending climate.

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This workshop provides step-by-step information on funding opportunities available for business owners and entrepreneurs. You will be guided through the process of pursuing business financing including what to consider before applying for a loan, the factors of evaluation that all lenders use when reviewing your loan requests and tips on how to prepare based on your strengths and weaknesses.

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Topics include: SBA Loan requirements & application, traditional bank loans, lines of credit, and alternative lending programs.  Training topics include:

1. Identifying Reasons for Borrowing (i.e., business startup, expansion, purchase, cyclical purchases, furniture, fixtures, equipment)
2. Funding Opportunities (i.e., grants, loans)
3. Matching Funding Option with Lending Needs
4. Types of Loan (i.e., economic development loans; conventional bank loans; SBA, USDA & California Guaranteed loans)
5. Funding Requirements (i.e., 5 C’s of Lending – Credit, Collateral, Capacity, Character, Cash Flow)
6. Credit Score (i.e., Explanation of credit scores, credit report review, credit report corrections & documentation, 3 reporting credit agencies)
7. Collateral Requirements ( i.e., lenders, banks, EDC & CDC, asset lenders)
8. Character (i.e., criminal history, reputation, credit score, bankruptcy, letter of explanation)
9. Cash Flow (i.e., business tax returns, business plan & projections, global cash flow, start-up requirements)
10. Typical Process to Get Funding (i.e., funding needs, project cost, business plan & projections, loan application, credit report by lender, decision timeline, approval process, loan disbursement)
11. Recommended Steps to Improve Your Chances (i.e., type of lender & reason for borrowing, credit score verification process, cash injection, business plan & projections, business financials, loan package)

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