A practical, founder‑friendly roadmap to prep your finances, boost your credibility, and land the right funding when your business needs it most.
QuickBooks Term Loan and QuickBooks Line of Credit loans are issued by WebBank.
There’s nothing like the sinking feeling of a cash crunch. Payroll’s looming, inventory’s due, and suddenly you’re Googling “fast business loans” at midnight like you’re hunting for a secret treasure map.
The best time to prep for funding is before you need it. And getting ready isn’t about filling out endless forms – it’s about making your business look as strong on paper as it is in your head.
Whether you’re eyeing a term loan, a line of credit, or something more creative, here’s how to go from “where do I start?” to “application submitted” with confidence.
💡 Start with the Why (and the How Much)
Lenders don’t fund vagueness. “Working capital” is a snooze. Get crystal clear:
✅ “I need $50K to buy inventory that will double my Q4 sales.”
✅ “I need $20K to hire two part‑time staff for my busiest season.”
That clarity doesn’t just help you pick the right loan; it also shows lenders you know your numbers and your plan.
📚 Clean Books = Credibility
Messy financials are red flags. Before you even look at funding:
✔ Reconcile your bank and credit accounts.
✔ Categorize income and expenses.
✔ Run fresh P&L and Balance Sheet reports.
If you’re already on QuickBooks, it’s literally a few clicks via QuickBooks Capital. (And if you’re not…this is your sign.)
🔎 Know Your Credit Story
Your business and personal credit scores matter, even if you’re small but mighty.
📌 Pull reports from Experian, Dun & Bradstreet, and Equifax.
📌 Fix errors, lower high balances, and pay vendors on time.
💡 Pro Tip: Some platforms, like QuickBooks Capital, let you explore offers without impacting your personal credit score. This can be a lifesaver when you’re shopping around.
💰 Pick the Right Kind of Capital
Not all funding is created equal, so know your options:
- Term Loan: One lump sum, fixed repayments.
- Line of Credit: Flexible access as you need it.
- Equipment Financing: Pay as you earn from the asset.
- Invoice Financing: Turn unpaid invoices into cash now.
👉 Compare interest and fees. No‑origination‑fee options (like some through QuickBooks Capital) can save you thousands.
📈 Strengthen Your Application Before You Apply
Think of it as staging your business for a lender’s open house:
✔ Reduce small debts where you can.
✔ Show steady or growing revenue.
✔ Prepare a simple one‑pager: Here’s what we need, here’s how it grows our business.
Lenders love seeing funding tied to results, not just survival.
🖋 Apply with Confidence
By now, you’ve got:
✅ Clean books.
✅ A clear ask.
✅ A credit profile you understand.
On platforms like QuickBooks Capital, you can apply right from your dashboard: your financial data’s already there, so decisions can come in minutes, not weeks.1
🎯 Use the Funds Like a Pro
Once the money hits your account, treat every dollar like it has a job:
📌 Track spending tied to your loan.
📌 Measure results (sales growth, cost savings).
📌 Adjust quickly if the ROI isn’t showing up.
Bonus: QuickBooks lets you tag those expenses so you can see impact and stay organized for tax time.
👏 Congrats! You’re Funding Ready
You’ve built a roadmap, cleaned up your books, and chosen the right fit. Whether you apply today or three months from now, you’re in control.
✅ Understand what lenders want.
✅ Approach funding strategically.
✅ Turn capital into growth, not just a temporary fix.
Next step: Set a quarterly reminder to check your funding readiness. Opportunities move fast. Being prepared means you can move faster.
💬 Thinking about funding? What’s your goal for it? Tag us at #HelloAlice on your social media platform of choice and we’ll shout out tips and best practices.
Disclosure: QuickBooks Term Loan and QuickBooks Line of Credit loans are issued by WebBank.
1 Subject to eligibility