Wondering how to get a small business loan? You’ve got the dream — but now you’re wondering how to get a small business loan to actually make it happen. Maybe you’ve already got a few loyal customers, a solid offer, and a vision board full of coffee-fueled ideas. But let’s keep it real: sticky notes and good vibes won’t pay for that commercial kitchen, hire your first employee, or scale your systems. You need capital. And that’s where things get real.

Cue the heart palpitations: You realize it’s time to approach a bank or lender.

Walking into a bank to ask for a loan can feel a lot like stepping into judgment day. The suit is tight, your stomach’s tighter, and you’re just hoping they don’t ask for something wild like your third-grade report card or the names of your ancestors. But if you’re a small business owner with a God-sized vision, eventually you come to a holy crossroad: you need capital to grow.

But don’t panic. You’re not alone — and you don’t have to walk in unprepared, mumbling about “kingdom expansion” and hoping the loan officer is saved and sanctified. God calls us to be both faithful and financially literate.

And that means pitching your business like your next blessing depends on it—because in a way, it does.

When Proverbs 10:14 says, “The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin,” it’s not just talking about what we say—it’s about how we prepare. The bank isn’t approving loans based on vibes and vision boards. They want numbers. They want receipts. They want to know that if they hand you this money, you won’t fumble it like a bad fourth-quarter call. The bank doesn’t care about your Canva graphics if your numbers aren’t numbering.

But don’t worry. With faith, preparation, and a few hard-earned lessons (including one of my own), you can walk into that loan meeting confidently—without sacrificing your peace or your testimony.

Let Me Tell You a Little Story…

Years ago, when I was opening a coffee shop in Georgia—yes, your girl had dreams of mocha lattes and pastries that could change your life—I did what many new business owners do: I walked into a local bank, full of hope and half-prepared.

I had a vision. I had hustle. I even had a few spreadsheets and a degree in Business. What I didn’t have? A well-developed business plan or solid credit. I was still learning how to separate my personal finances from my business ones (sound familiar?). I was passionate, but I didn’t have the pitch. Long story short—no loan, just a learning curve. They did tell me I qualified for a business credit card, but as you know, the interest on a credit card is much higher than a loan and the approved amount was nowhere near what I was requesting.

That coffee shop eventually closed, but it gave me more than I ever expected: the experience of what not to do, and the wisdom to teach others how to get a small business loan with the preparation, strategy, and confidence lenders look for.

What You Need to Have in Place First

Here’s where many of us trip up. The vision is strong, the branding is cute, but the back-office basics are a mess. Before you start the process of how to get a small business loan, you’ll need to get your financial house in order.

Know Your Numbers

No matter how compelling your story is, lenders want data. You’ll need:

• Revenue from the past 12 months (if you’re operating)

• Profit and loss statements

• A projected budget and monthly expenses

Use tools like Wave Accounting (free!) or QuickBooks to track this. Even if your business is new, come with realistic projections and a narrative that makes sense.

Get Your Credit in Order

Let’s talk credit—because it’s coming up whether you like it or not. Most lenders want to see a personal credit score of 650+ and/or business credit history through Dun & Bradstreet or a Paydex score.

Pro tip: Nav.com is great for monitoring your credit and matching you with loans you’re actually eligible for.

Make It Official

Still running things out of your personal checking account with no legal structure? Pause. You’ll want to form an LLC (I recommend Northwest Registered Agent) and open a separate business bank account with your local banker, credit union, or online Novo. It’s time to show lenders that you’re not just hustling—you’re building.

Build a Pitch That Gets a Yes

This is your moment. It’s time to pitch—not just what you do, but why it matters and how it will grow.

Your pitch or loan proposal should include:

• A clear business plan or executive summary

• What the funds will be used for (itemized)

• How you plan to repay it

• Expected results (revenue, growth, job creation)

• Your founder’s story

This is where you get to tell them not just what you do—but why you do it. Make it factual, but don’t be afraid to tell your story and show your passion. Passion backed by data is powerful.

Loan Types, Decoded

If you’re figuring out how to get a small business loan, know that there are options for almost every stage of business:

• Traditional bank loans – Ideal for well-established businesses with solid credit.

• SBA loans – Better terms and less risk for lenders, though the process takes longer.

• Microloans – Typically under $50K, great for startups or underserved founders.

• Online lenders – Like Kiva or Fundbox; fast access but often at higher rates.

• Business line of credit – Flexible, perfect for managing cash flow.

• Invoice financing – Helps when clients are slow to pay.

• Equipment financing – Lets you buy gear while using the gear itself as collateral.

Here’s a breakdown:

 Real Talk: Are You Ready to Repay?

This isn’t Monopoly money. Even a 0% APR card eventually comes due. Before you move forward with how to get a small business loan, ask yourself:

• How will I repay this loan responsibly?

• What ROI do I expect from the funds?

• Am I applying for what I truly need—or just what sounds good?

This isn’t about fear—it’s about faith and stewardship. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” If you’re diligent in your planning, the funding you receive will have purpose, not pressure.

Don’t Sleep on These Free Resources

If you’re not sure how to create a business plan or financial projections, SCORE.org is your best friend. Supported by the SBA, it offers:

• Free mentorship (virtual or in person)

• Sample loan proposals

• Business plan templates

• Webinars on funding

There’s no excuse to go into the loan process unprepared when this kind of help is free.

A Few More Pro Tips

• Apply to the Right Lender: Don’t waste time applying to banks that don’t work with businesses your size or industry. In an earlier blog post, I shared why getting to know your local banker is key. Those relationships can open unexpected doors.

• Be Ready for Questions: What’s your plan if your projections fall short? Who’s your competition? Be ready with answers.

• Document Everything: From your business license to bank statements, keep digital folders organized so you can upload documents at a moment’s notice.

• Follow Up With Faith: After you apply, follow up with confidence—not desperation. Keep moving forward while you wait for the decision.

In Closing: Faith and Funding Are Not Opposites

You can love Jesus and still walk into a bank with a well-formed business plan. You can pray and pitch. You can believe for favor and bring your documents. That’s how you show God you’re ready.

Your funding might be one confident conversation away. So suit up. Show up. Speak up. And smile like you already have the approval—because faith moves like the thing is already done.

Pray, prepare, and press forward with that pitch — and now that you know how to get a small business loan, you can walk into that meeting with both faith and a solid plan.

Want a resource to help you prep? Download the Loan Readiness Guide and take your first step toward learning how to get a small business loan that works for your vision.