Why consider a professional loan?
Whether you are a freelancer, startup creator or small business manager, there comes a time when personal funds and initial assistance (grants, love money, microcredit...) are no longer enough. Professional borrowing then becomes a strategic lever for:
- Financing equipment or premises,
- Strengthen its cash flow,
- Accelerate its development,
- Gain credibility with financial partners.
Step 1: Define your needs precisely
Before even knocking on a bank door, it is essential to clearly answer two questions:
- How much should you borrow? (avoid asking for an approximate amount).
- What will the money be used for in concrete terms? (a clear usage plan builds trust)
-> Advice: prepare a forecast table listing each planned expenditure.
Step 2: Prepare a solid business plan
The business plan is Sesame to convince a banker. It must demonstrate that:
- The project is profitable and viable,
- The income assumptions are realistic,
- The target market is identified and promising,
- The risks have been anticipated.
A financial forecast on Minimum 3 years is highly recommended.
Step 3: Assess your repayment capacity
Professional loans must be sustainable. For this:
- Calculate your cash flow capacity (CAF),
- Check your Debt ratio (do not exceed 30 to 40%),
- Simulate several scenarios (optimistic, realistic, pessimistic).
-> Show your banking partner that you have planned a “plan B” if the income is slow to arrive.
Step 4: Choosing the right type of financing
There are several options depending on your needs:
- Classic bank loan : depreciable over several years.
- Leasing/leasing : useful for equipment or vehicles.
- Honorary loan : granted by networks such as Initiative France or Réseau Entrepreneurship.
- Professional microcredit : suitable for small amounts.
Step 5: Anticipate the interview with the bank
During the appointment, expect specific questions:
- What is your experience in this sector?
- What is the expected turnover in the first year?
- Who are your main target customers?
- What will you do if the project takes longer than expected to take off?
-> Prepare your answers as if you were passing a Oral exam.
Step 6: Take care of your borrower profile
A good project is not enough: the bank is also looking the project leader.
- Check your personal situation (avoid a regular overdraft),
- Bring a minimum of equity (ideally 20 to 30%),
- Show that you've already invested time, energy, and a portion of your savings.
Step 7: Don't Overlook Alternatives
In 2025, there are other options if the bank is cautious:
- Crowdfunding (crowdlending, crowdfunding),
- The Business Angels,
- Peer-to-peer lending platforms,
- Public devices (Bpifrance, regional aid, guarantees).
Conclusion
Preparing your first professional loan is not an impossible mission, but it requires rigor and foresight. The more clear, quantified and realistic your file is, the more you will maximize your chances of obtaining financing under good conditions.
-> In summary: Clarify your needs, prepare your figures, take care of your profile and open yourself up to alternatives.
