Prepare a business funding request brief

A useful funding request starts with a clear business need. Before opening a form, write a short brief that explains the work you want to accomplish, the records you have and the questions you still need to resolve. This is an organizing exercise. It does not establish eligibility or predict a funding decision.

Describe the job the funding would support

Start with the business activity, rather than the name of a financial product. You might be replacing a particular machine, preparing a location for use or organizing a gap between an invoice and a business expense. Explain what changes if the project goes ahead and what can still be done without it. Keep separate projects on separate lines so their requirements do not get mixed together.

Separate facts from assumptions

List the information you can verify today. For an equipment purchase, that might include the seller's quote, the model and the intended location. For a business project, it might include supplier estimates and the records used to describe current operations. Label estimates and unresolved questions. An expected customer order is different from a completed sale; a draft quote is different from a confirmed purchase.

Make a private records index

Create an index of the business records you have, who maintains them and whether they are current. You do not need to place sensitive files in the brief. Keep account numbers, personal identifiers and confidential documents in the appropriate secure system. If more information is requested later, confirm the recipient and approved upload process before sharing it.

Choose a person to handle follow-up

A request can become confusing when different people supply different versions of the same information. Choose one business contact to coordinate questions, record corrections and maintain the latest brief. That person should know where the supporting records are and which questions require input from an owner, bookkeeper or equipment seller.

Write down the questions you want answered

Keep a short list of questions about the process, the information required and how to track the request. Ask who will review the information and how the business will hear about next steps. If a funding partner's program may fit, the partner may ask for additional information and makes its own decision. Review any documents you receive before choosing what to do next.

Use the brief to prepare your request

Read the brief without looking at the supporting files. Can you explain the business purpose, the available evidence and the remaining gaps? If not, revise it. The goal is to communicate accurately and keep a record of what you submitted. For general bookkeeping guidance, see the Small Business Administration's business management resources.

Requests are unavailable in FL and GA. Equipment requests are also unavailable in CA, MO, ND and VT.