Business lenders often think in terms of five Cs. Character: your track record and how you've handled credit. Capacity: whether the business's cash flow can cover repayments. Capital: how much you've put in yourself. Collateral: what secures the loan. Conditions: the state of your industry and what the money is for.
Up-to-date accounts, a realistic forecast and a clear explanation of what the funds will do make a strong application. Personal guarantees from owners are common, so ask exactly what you're guaranteeing.