Funding documents
SME Loan Document Checklist
Good funding preparation starts with documents that make the business easy to understand and verify.
Updated May 2026
Core company documents
These documents help funders confirm who owns and operates the business.
- SSM registration or company incorporation documents
- Business address and contact details
- Director, partner, or owner identification
- Shareholder or ownership structure
- Licenses or permits where relevant
Financial documents
Financial documents should support the same story as your application. If revenue, expenses, or liabilities are unclear, funders may delay or reject the application.
- Latest financial statements or management accounts
- Six to twelve months of bank statements
- Tax filings where available
- Accounts receivable and payable summaries
- Existing loan or facility details
Business evidence
Business evidence helps funders see that the company is active and that the funding purpose is grounded in real operations.
- Sales invoices and receipts
- Contracts, purchase orders, or letters of award
- Customer pipeline or order book
- Supplier quotations for planned spending
- A short business profile and funding plan
Frequently asked questions
Should I prepare documents before choosing a funder?
Yes. Preparing early makes it easier to compare funding options and respond quickly when a lender asks for more information.
What if my documents are incomplete?
Start by identifying what is missing and whether it affects the funding story. Some gaps can be explained, but unexplained gaps create avoidable friction.
Can RaiseReady create the documents for me?
RaiseReady helps organize your preparation and planning. It can guide what to prepare, but you should verify formal financial and legal documents with qualified professionals.
Turn document gaps into an action plan
Use RaiseReady to see what to prepare next before you submit funding applications.
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