Commercial Finance Preparation Checklist
A clear outline of your funding request can make an initial commercial finance conversation more useful. Use this checklist to gather context and questions before speaking with an independent finance professional.
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026
For Australian businesses considering expansion, acquisition, working capital, commercial property, project funding or another complex finance need.
Funding purpose and request
Be specific about the outcome you are exploring, rather than only the amount.
- Purpose of the funding and the business outcome it supports
- Requested amount, preferred contribution and any staged funding need
- Proposed timeframe, key deadline and what happens if timing changes
- Repayment source and a high-level view of expected cash-flow impact
- Whether the request is new funding, refinancing, restructuring or a combination
Business background
- Legal entity, ABN/ACN, ownership and group structure
- Business history, industry, locations and key people
- Products or services, customers, suppliers and concentration risks
- Recent growth, changes in ownership or material events
- Accountant or adviser contact details if you authorise the provider to liaise
Financial information and cash flow
Financial statements and forecasts are provider-dependent; prepare context, not assumptions about approval.
- Recent financial statements and tax information where requested
- Current management accounts or year-to-date performance
- Cash-flow forecast with key assumptions and seasonal movements
- Debtor, creditor, inventory and working-capital position where relevant
- Existing finance schedule, repayment commitments and contingent liabilities
- Explanation for material variances, one-off items or forecast changes
Project, purchase or property details
- Purchase contract, quotes, plans, valuation or project feasibility information where relevant
- Vendor, builder, developer, tenant or counterparty details where relevant
- Expected costs, equity contribution, milestones and contingency allowance
- Commercial property address, lease details or security information where relevant
- Contracts, orders, pre-sales or other evidence supporting projected income where relevant
Security, obligations and provider documents
Only share sensitive information through a secure channel confirmed by the eventual provider.
- Overview of available security and ownership evidence where relevant
- Existing mortgages, guarantees, leases, PPSR registrations or other obligations
- Identification for relevant applicants, directors or guarantors if requested
- Provider-specific application forms, declarations or consent documents when supplied
- A list of questions about fees, term, repayment structure, conditions and timing
Commercial finance brief
| Topic | Your short answer |
|---|---|
| What is the purpose? | ________________________________ |
| How much is requested? | ________________________________ |
| When is it needed? | ________________________________ |
| How will it be repaid? | ________________________________ |
| What security may be relevant? | ________________________________ |
Provider-dependent information
This checklist is not a guarantee, credit assessment or financial advice. It is not a complete application pack. Requirements, eligibility, rates, terms, fees and approval are determined by the relevant provider after assessing the applicant and proposal.
Official sources and further reading
These links provide general information. They do not replace advice from an appropriately qualified professional for your circumstances.
Asset Connect Australia is a connection/referral platform. We do not provide financial advice, credit assistance, lending services or credit decisions. Any eligibility, rates, terms, fees, approval and product suitability are determined by the relevant independent professional or provider. This resource is not a guarantee, credit assessment or financial advice.