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Home/Capital Tools/Capital Readiness

CAPITAL TOOL 04

Capital Readiness
Assessment

Identify what is ready, what may limit your options, and what to strengthen before pursuing business financing.

13 QUESTIONS · ABOUT 3 MINUTES

Assess the business as it stands today.

Choose the answer that is most accurate. This works best when the answers are realistic rather than optimistic.

Financial performance

How long has the business been operating?

Time in business can expand the number of available financing paths.

Less than 6 months6–11 months1–2 yearsMore than 2 years

What best describes revenue over the last 12 months?

Consistency matters, but seasonality can be explained with the right records.

Declining or highly unpredictableSeasonal but explainableGenerally stableGrowing consistently

Is the business producing enough cash to cover current obligations?

Financing should support the business. It should not substitute indefinitely for an operating deficit.

No, there is a recurring shortfallSometimes; cash flow is tightUsually, with occasional pressureYes, with a consistent cushion

How have the last three business bank statements looked?

Frequent overdrafts or negative days can signal payment stress.

Frequent overdrafts or negative daysSeveral overdrafts or returned itemsOccasional tight days, no major issuesConsistently positive and orderly

Credit & obligations

What is the approximate personal credit profile of the primary owner?

Many small-business products review owner credit, though it is not the only factor.

Below 580580–639640–679680–719720 or higherNot sure

Are current business and personal obligations being paid as agreed?

Recent payment history often matters more than an isolated older issue.

Currently behindRecent late paymentsMostly current with an explained issueAll current

Are there unresolved tax liens, judgments, defaults, or active collections?

These issues may need resolution or a documented payment arrangement.

Yes, unresolvedYes, with an active payment planNoNot sure

Documentation

Are the last two years of business and personal tax returns available?

Requirements vary, but complete returns are common for bank and SBA paths.

No or returns are unfiledOnly one year is availableYes, two complete yearsBusiness is too new for two years

How current are the profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet?

Current financials help a financing source understand what is happening now.

Not availableMore than 90 days oldWithin the last 90 daysCurrent through the last completed month

Can you provide bank statements and a complete business debt schedule?

A debt schedule should include balances, payments, rates, maturity dates, and collateral.

Neither is readyBank statements onlyBoth are ready

Request structure

Is the use of funds specific and supported by numbers?

A precise use-of-funds plan makes the request easier to evaluate and structure.

No; the need is still generalThe purpose is clear, but costs are estimatesYes; costs and uses are documented

How was the requested amount determined?

The amount should connect to the need, repayment capacity, and an appropriate financing product.

It is a rough estimateIt is based on the immediate needIt includes the need, timing, and repayment impact

When is the capital needed?

More lead time generally creates more options and better preparation.

Immediately or within 7 daysWithin 2–4 weeksWithin 1–3 monthsMore than 3 months / planning ahead

CAPITAL READINESS

0/100

0 of 13 answered

Assessment in progress

Answer every question to receive a complete readiness range and prioritized action plan.

Readiness by area

Financial performance0/35

Credit & obligations0/25

Documentation0/20

Request structure0/20

Print or save as PDF

Creates a private copy immediately using your device.

Email my results

Opens a prepared email addressed to you. Nothing sends automatically.

Send results to SWCA

Share the complete assessment with SWCA for a follow-up conversation.

Continue to Capital Review

Carries these results into the Initial Capital Review on this device.

Private by default: answers remain on this device unless you deliberately prepare and send an email. SWCA does not automatically store this assessment.

This educational assessment is not a credit decision, approval, or guarantee of financing. Requirements vary by financing source, product, industry, collateral, and transaction.

READINESS BEFORE APPLICATION

A stronger presentation can create a better financing conversation.

Readiness is more than a credit score. Financial performance, clean documentation, existing obligations, timing, and the structure of the request all matter.

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SW Capital Advisory

Independent capital advisory. Serving businesses nationwide from Maryland.

(301) 807-8932 Email SWCA About SWCA Capital Academy How it works Privacy All capital solutions Home equity for business owners

General educational information, not legal, tax, accounting, investment, credit, or lending advice. SW Capital Advisory is an independent advisor, not a direct lender. Financing is subject to underwriting, eligibility, documentation, and lender approval. Approval, terms, and funding timelines are not guaranteed.