Business Plan Template for a Bank or SBA Loan

Lenders read business plans to answer one question: will this loan be repaid? This template is organized around what loan officers typically review, including the loan request, use of funds, owner equity, collateral, repayment ability and personal background, alongside the standard plan sections.

Preview of the Business Plan Template for a Bank or SBA Loan

Free download. No sign-up, no email.

Download Word (.docx)37 KBDownload PDF55 KB
  • 2 pages, portrait layout
  • Edit in Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice
  • Print and fill in by hand if you prefer

Who this template is for

  • Applicants for bank term loans and lines of credit
  • SBA 7(a) and microloan applicants
  • Owners buying an existing business

How to fill it in

  1. State the loan amount, term and purpose up front.
  2. Show how much of your own money you are investing.
  3. List collateral and its estimated value.
  4. Include a monthly cash flow forecast for the first year.
  5. Show debt service coverage: cash available to pay the loan.
  6. Attach a personal financial statement and resumes.

What is inside

  • Loan Request Summary
  • Item table
  • Use of funds table
  • Business Overview
  • Business description and history
  • Products, services and customers
  • Market and competition
  • Management experience
  • Repayment Ability
  • Collateral table
  • Contingency plan if sales are lower than forecast
  • Attachments Checklist

Writing a full business plan?

Browse 39 free sample plans by industry, each with startup costs and projections.

See sample plans

Frequently asked questions

What do banks look for in a business plan?

Lenders typically look at character, capacity to repay, capital invested, collateral and conditions, often called the five Cs of credit.

How much money do I need to put in?

Requirements vary, but many lenders expect owners to contribute meaningful equity, often 10% to 30% of the project cost.

Is this business plan template for a bank or sba loan free to use?

Yes. Download it, edit it and use it for your own business at no cost. No account or email address is required.

Related templates

Word & PDF

PESTLE Analysis Template

Political, economic, social, technology, legal and environmental factors.

Word & PDF

One-Page Business Plan Template

Fit your whole plan on a single page.

Word & PDF

Lean Canvas Template

The startup version of the business model canvas.

Excel

12-Month Cash Flow Forecast Template

Month-by-month cash in and cash out.