Gather the common starting information
The list is a preparation aid. Ask the provider which records, periods and formats it requires for the proposed product. Keep a note of anything requested but not yet available.
| Information | What it explains | Preparation check |
|---|---|---|
| Business identity and ownership | Which entity is borrowing and who is involved | Check the business name, ABN or ACN, structure and ownership details are consistent. |
| Business bank records | When money comes in and goes out | Confirm the period, accounts and accepted format requested; identify transfers between your own accounts. |
| Profit and loss and balance sheet | Trading performance and the financial position at a date | Record the period and whether figures are final or management accounts. Explain material changes. |
| Tax or activity statements, if requested | The tax records relevant to the assessment | Use the requested records and explain outstanding information or commitments. |
| Existing loans, leases and credit facilities | Current debt commitments and payment dates | Separate limits, drawn balances, regular payments and any final amounts. |
| Cash-flow forecast | How expected receipts cover operating costs and proposed repayments | Use realistic dates and show the effect of late customer receipts. |
| Funding purpose, amount and timing | What the money will pay for and when it is needed | Reconcile the request to quotes, invoices or a transaction budget. |
Swipe or scroll the table sideways to see every column.
Add evidence for the transaction
| Funding purpose | Useful evidence to prepare | Question to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment or business vehicle | Itemised supplier quote, asset details, new/used condition and installation budget | Which costs are in the purchase and which require separate cash? |
| Working-capital gap | Receipts and payment forecast, customer terms and key upcoming costs | When is the largest shortfall and what is expected to close it? |
| Invoice finance | Current receivables ledger, invoice details, customer terms and known disputes | Which amounts are unpaid and what adjustments remain unresolved? |
| Refinancing | Existing agreement details, payment schedule and a dated payout quote | What would settlement cost on the proposed date? |
| Business or other purchase transaction | Price, your contribution, transaction documents and relevant conditions | Which payments are due before completion and which conditions remain open? |
Swipe or scroll the table sideways to see every column.
The actual provider may request more or different information. “Low doc” does not mean no assessment or no obligations.
Worked funding brief: buying a machine
This hypothetical brief shows how to explain the request. The amounts are a planning budget, not a finance offer.
| Brief item | Prepared answer |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Replace a machine used in existing paid work. |
| Machine quote | $65,000 |
| Delivery and training | $3,000 delivery plus $2,000 training |
| Total purchase budget | $70,000 |
| Business cash contribution | $10,000 |
| Amount to discuss for finance | $60,000 |
| Timing | Required before the supplier’s confirmed payment deadline; record the actual date. |
| Repayment source | Cash from existing work, supported by current records and a forecast including the proposed payments. |
| Information still to confirm | Which quoted costs can be financed, the payment schedule, fees and any final amount. |
Swipe or scroll the table sideways to see every column.
The budget reconciles: $65,000 + $3,000 + $2,000 = $70,000; less the $10,000 contribution leaves $60,000 to discuss. The provider determines what it can finance. Keep any difference visible rather than assuming every cost will be included.
Explain who is borrowing
Have the business name, ABN or ACN, structure and ownership information available. The lender may need identification and other information for the relevant people involved. Provide sensitive documents only through a verified, secure process.
Make incomplete or unusual information easy to understand
If trading was unusually quiet, a large customer paid late or a forecast depends on a new contract, record what happened and attach the relevant explanation through the agreed process. Separate confirmed facts from expected events.
Before sending records, ask for the exact statement dates, account coverage, accepted file format and secure delivery method. Provide sensitive documents only through a verified process. Atlas’s finder and enquiry form collect contact details and a summary; they do not accept financial-document uploads.
What to prepare
- Identify the borrowing entity and relevant people.
- Confirm required records, periods, accounts and formats.
- Reconcile the funding amount to a budget and cash contribution.
- Record existing payments, limits and final obligations separately.
- Explain unusual results and unresolved information.
- Use a verified process for sensitive documents.
Common questions
Should I upload financial documents to the Atlas finder?
No. The finder and enquiry form do not accept financial document uploads. You can review your brief and send Atlas your contact details and chosen summary, then discuss what information is needed next.
How many months of statements are needed?
There is no universal statement period for every business loan. Ask the provider for the exact start and end dates, accounts and accepted format for your proposed product. Record anything you cannot yet supply so it can be discussed.
Do I need every document before contacting Atlas?
You can start with the purpose, amount, timing and a summary of the records available. Use the preparation checklist to identify what still needs to be gathered; the provider’s requirements will depend on the proposal.
General information only. Product terms and availability vary. Check the actual proposal and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances.