When I first applied, I didn’t really understand how loans worked, so here’s the quick version of what actually matters: 1. Understand the basics. Lenders just want to see that your business is legit, stable, and can repay. Once I understood that, the process got way clearer. 2. Eligibility is real. They checked my credit, business structure, revenue, and all my documents, nothing scary, just be prepared. 3. SBA loans take TIME. Not a fast approval. There’s back-and-forth, so don’t apply last minute. 4. Pick the right loan type.7(a), 504, microloan… they all serve different purposes. Finding the right one made things easier for me. 5. Have your documents ready. Business plan, tax returns, financials, trust me, this saves you stress. If you’re thinking about applying or you’re stuck somewhere, drop your questions. I’m happy to share more from my experience.