What are the four eligibility requirements the SBA look at when determining loan requirements?

Getting a small-business loan can be a time-consuming process. By knowing lenders' typical business loan requirements ahead of time, you can avoid potential frustration.

Here are seven things lenders generally look at to decide whether you qualify for a loan.

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1. Personal and business credit scores

You’ll likely need good personal credit or excellent business credit to qualify for a government-backed SBA loan or traditional bank small-business loan. Online lenders may be more lenient with credit scores, emphasizing your business’s cash flow and track record instead.

Personal credit scores indicate your ability to repay personal debts, such as credit cards, car loans and a mortgage. Small-business lenders require a personal credit score because they want to see how you manage debt.

FICO scores, commonly used in lending decisions, range from 300 to 850 (the higher, the better). You can get a free credit score on NerdWallet and a free copy of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Fast ways to improve your personal credit include disputing any inaccuracies in your report and paying bills on time and in full.

More-established companies will have business credit scores (which generally range from 0 or 1 to 100) with credit bureaus such as Experian, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet. Steps to building business credit include establishing trade lines and keeping public records clean.

2. Annual revenue

Many lenders will only consider businesses that bring in at least a minimum monthly or annual revenue. How much cash flow you’ll need depends on the lender — for example, online lender OnDeck requires $100,000 in annual revenue to qualify for its line of credit, while Bank of America’s minimum is $250,000.

If you need a business loan with low revenue, you’ll likely have to rely on alternative financing options, like invoice factoring.

3. Years in business

To qualify for a business loan from a bank, you’ll typically need to have been in business for at least two years. Online business loans tend to have less stringent requirements, but still usually require at least six months in business.

4. Business industry and size

Government-backed loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration come with specific requirements. If you want to qualify for SBA loans, you’ll need to check a few additional boxes::

• Your business must meet the SBA's definition of a "small" business, which varies by industry. You can find yours on the SBA’s website here.

• You must be a for-profit company.

• You can’t operate in an ineligible industry, like real estate investing, gambling or religious activities.

• You must be current on all government loans with no past defaults — you’ll be disqualified if you’ve been late on a federal student loan or government-backed mortgage, for instance.

Non-SBA lenders may decline to lend to you based on factors like the industry you operate in, too.

5. Business plan and loan proposal

Lenders will want to know how you plan to use the money and see that you have a strong ability to repay. They may require a business plan that explains what your business goals are and how you plan to reach them. Some lenders may also ask for a business loan proposal, which details the purpose of the loan and how you expect to repay it.

These documents should clearly demonstrate that you will have enough cash flow to cover ongoing business expenses and the new loan payments. This can give the lender more confidence in your business, increasing your chances at loan approval.

Use NerdWallet’s business loan calculator to estimate your monthly loan payments:

6. Collateral or personal guarantee

To qualify for a small-business loan, you may have to provide collateral to back the loan. Business collateral is an asset, such as equipment, real estate or inventory, that can be seized and sold by the lender if you can’t make your payments. It’s a way lenders can recover their money if your business fails.

For example, SBA 7(a) loans above $25,000 require collateral, plus a personal guarantee from every owner of 20% or more of the business. A business loan personal guarantee requires you to repay the amount owed from your own assets if the business can’t.

Some lenders offer unsecured business loans, which don’t require collateral but will likely still come with a personal guarantee. Lenders may also take a blanket lien on your business assets — essentially another form of collateral — giving the lender the right to take business assets (real estate, inventory, equipment) to recoup an unpaid loan.

Each lender has its own rules, so ask questions if you're unsure what's required.

7. Business and financial documentation

Banks and other traditional lenders typically require a wide range of paperwork when you apply for a small-business loan. The financial and legal documents you may need for a small-business loan include:

• Personal and business income tax returns.

• Balance sheet and income statement.

• Personal and business bank statements.

• A photo of your driver’s license.

• Commercial leases.

• Business licenses.

• Articles of incorporation.

• A resume that shows relevant management or business experience.

• Financial projections if you have a limited operating history.

Online lenders may provide a streamlined application process with fewer documents and faster underwriting.

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When did you start your business?

What does SBA look for?

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Who is eligible for SBA?