Business Plans for Bank & SBA Loans

Our pricing is influenced by several factors including industry type, plan length and scope, variables like multiple physical locations, the intended audience, and your timeframe.

Our bank-ready business plans typically range from $1,800 to $5,100, based on complexity and the team members required. This fee covers an in-depth discovery process, detailed research, professional writing and editing, and advanced financial modeling. We are happy to provide a complete scope of work for your project, free of charge, in as little as 24 hours. Simply contact us to set up an appointment.

For more information about what is included in our engagements, please see our pricing page.

The ideal length of a bank/SBA-loan business plan is precisely as long as it needs to be, and not a page more. While most bank-ready business plans fall within the 30-45 page range, with around 15 pages dedicated to financial statements, it's essential to remember that quality isn't determined by page count. Evaluating a business plan's merit based solely on its length misses the true value and depth of its content. 

You can see some examples of our bank-ready business plans here.

Our projects kick off within 24 hours of receiving payment. From there, the timeline largely depends on your pace and preferences. Some clients prefer a more deliberate and procedural approach, while others are working against tight deadlines. Typically, we can deliver a complete first draft of the business plan within two weeks. We offer both 45-day and 90-day engagement timelines, ensuring ample time to integrate your feedback and steer the direction of the project.

You can learn more about our process and timeline here.

Our primary goal is to provide a top-notch business plan that positions clients in the best light for lenders. There are too many other factors involved for us to guarantee funding. We do, however, guarantee that if your bank loan is turned down on the basis of the business plan, we will refund your money in full. (Note: In over 20 years of business plan writing, this has never happened. Not once.)

As far as payments go, all terms are discussed upfront, and payment after funding is not a typical arrangement.

While we specialize in crafting bank-ready business plans, we are not a certified SBA loan broker, which means we don't facilitate the SBA loan application process directly in exchange for a fee. However, over our 21-year tenure, we've fostered relationships with both regional and national banks. As a result, we are often able to make introductions where appropriate.

For those specifically interested in SBA loans, many clients find success working with preferred SBA lenders in your local market. We recommend using the SBA's Lender Match tool to find suitable lenders. You can access this resource at SBA Lender Match.

Experience is a crucial factor when it comes to securing a loan for your business. Most lenders, including those offering SBA-backed loans, require applicants to have a certain level of experience in the industry or business they intend to operate; for example, the SBA typically requires a small business owner to have a minimum of five years of relevant experience. This experience can be in a management or operational role within the industry. If you lack direct industry experience but have other strong qualifications, such as a solid track record in a management or supervisory role in another field, you may still be considered for a loan.

The aim of this requirement is to ensure that you have the necessary expertise to manage and grow a successful enterprise. Lenders view this experience as a strong indicator of your ability to repay the loan and operate a viable business.

For more details on what's required for an SBA-backed loan, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on SBA loans.

In many instances, SBA loans necessitate collateral as a form of security for the lender. Most SBA loans will require a down payment of 20%, and having assets that can be used as collateral can enhance your loan application. Additionally, demonstrating a personal investment in your business showcases commitment and responsibility, further augmenting your eligibility.

Your credit score plays a pivotal role when seeking financing, especially from traditional lenders like banks. It serves as a numerical summary of your financial reliability based on your past borrowing and repayment behaviors.

Most banks have minimum credit score requirements, often setting a threshold at or above 600. It's common for lenders to have a benchmark of 620. A higher score not only increases your likelihood of securing financing but can also secure more favorable terms for the loan.

Generally, the expectations and objectives of investors differ from those of bank lenders. Banks tend to prioritize funding small businesses that foster local job creation, adopting a naturally conservative approach. In contrast, investors typically search for ventures with potential for rapid scaling and significant earnings, inherently embracing greater risk.

However, there are unique scenarios, especially when real estate plays a role, where an investor might be included in the capital stack. In such instances, we are well-equipped and eager to assist in presenting these cases effectively.

Every business is distinct, and consequently, every business plan we develop is uniquely tailored to that enterprise. While we don't rely on a specific "business plan template" or "SBA business plan template," our vast experience allows us to craft plans with efficiency. By building on our accumulated knowledge, we ensure both customization and efficiency in our deliverables.