For startups that are in the early stages of building their business, it's essential to have a comprehensive business plan and financial projections in order to receive a loan. Any lender you work with will want to have a well-rounded understanding of your company, your founders, and what you plan on using the funding for so that they are comfortable and confident with the project.

1. BUSINESS PLAN 
   Your business plan must explain what your company is going to do, how it is going to accomplish its goals, and, most importantly, why the founders and the team they surround themselves with, are the right people to do the job.

   A typical business plan will include a company overview, information about your products and/or services, financial details, a marketing plan, and a list of major company milestones in addition to information about each member of the management team and their role in the company.

   Essentially, you want to make sure your business plans gives a comprehensive overview of your company so that the lender understands every aspect of what you do.

2. MONTHLY CASH FLOW PROJECTIONS FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS
   Within the financial section of your business plan, it is essential for startups to highlight your projected cash flow on a month-by-month basis over the course of 24 months. Having this information handy gives the lender a complete overview of your anticipated expenses, income, and profit margins.

3. ASSUMPTIONS FOR PROJECTIONS
   Just as important, sharing detailed assumptions of how you estimated your cash flow projections will provide reassurance that you fully understand the bigger picture of your business’ financial health. Every monetary detail counts to ensure the viability of your business.

Need help with any of these documents? Here are other small business resources that may be able to help:

• Small Business Administration Learning Platform

• The Commons on Champa

• Denver Office of Economic Development

• T.H.R.I.V.E. (in person coaching for C-Suite Executives)

• SCORE

• Small Business Development Center

• Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute

• Mile High United Way

• The Fax Denver

• Mile High Connects

• EforAll

• Center for Community Wealth Building

• Mi Casa Resource Center

• Good Business Colorado

• Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce

• Sistah Biz

• Minority Business Office

• CoVenture

• Business Foundations Technical Assistance Program

• Access Mode

• Exponential Impact