Commercial Loans: Is Cross-Collateralization Killing Your Equity?
How to Audit Your Lending Portfolio for Hidden Liabilities
If you're a successful multi-property investor, congratulations—you're playing in the big leagues. But with scale comes complexity, and the biggest danger in a complex lending portfolio often isn't the current interest rate, but a seemingly innocuous term called cross-collateralization.
Cross-collateralization (or a "blanket mortgage") is when a lender secures a single loan by placing liens on multiple, separate properties you own. While this can sometimes expedite initial funding, it creates massive, long-term hidden liabilities that strangle your growth and equity.
The Cross-Collateral Trap: What You Need to Know
This arrangement is standard for many banks, but it creates a web of debt that makes strategic asset management nearly impossible.
3 Reasons This Debt Web Strangles Your Portfolio
1. Impaired Deal Flow & Sales:
• If you want to sell Property A, you often can't just pay off its specific portion of the debt. The lender can require you to pay off the entire blanket loan, or pay a hefty release fee ("release price").
• Result: The quick, profitable sale of a single asset becomes financially prohibitive.
2. Increased Risk Exposure:
• If you face a major market downturn or a default on the loan tied to Property A, the lender can legally seize Properties B, C, and D to cover their loss.
• Result: One single bad asset threatens the stability and security of your entire portfolio.
3. Hinders Refinancing Flexibility:
• Getting a better rate or structure on Property B is nearly impossible if it’s tied up with five other assets under one lender's control.
• Result: You lose the ability to shop around for the best market terms on an individual asset basis, increasing your cost of capital.
The Financial Health Check Solution
The only way to eliminate this structural risk is through a thorough Portfolio Review. Our service specializes in identifying these invisible liabilities before they impact your bottom line.
We Perform a Financial Health Check to Deliver:
• Map All Links: We clearly document every property, its loan, and which other assets are tied to it, providing a complete, organized view.
• Calculate Release Costs: We determine the actual, often prohibitive, cost of releasing individual properties from existing blanket liens and cross-collateral agreements.
• Develop a De-leveraging Strategy: We create a prioritized plan to gradually restructure or refinance your loans to establish clean, separate mortgages on each asset, maximizing your equity and protecting your entire portfolio.
Our Goal: To replace debt convenience with debt strategy. A clean portfolio ensures you control your assets, not your lender.
Ready to Free Your Equity?
If you own multiple investment properties and haven't had an outside party review the fine print of your debt structure, you are likely carrying unnecessary risk.
Celebrating National Entrepreneurs Day: The People Who Keep Business Moving
Every year, National Entrepreneurs Day reminds us of something powerful—our economy doesn’t move without the people willing to take risks, solve problems, and build something from nothing. Entrepreneurs are the innovators, the job creators, and the people who keep communities growing.
Whether you run a startup, a family business, or a growing company, today celebrates you—the courage it takes, the sacrifices you make, and the vision you’re building every day.
The Reality Behind Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship isn’t about luck or overnight success. It’s about:
Long nights
Early mornings
Endless problem-solving
Learning through failure
Adjusting when plans fall apart
And moving forward even when the path isn’t clear
Entrepreneurs are the backbone of small business—and small businesses are the backbone of America.
Why National Entrepreneurs Day Matters
This day isn’t just about recognizing businesses; it’s about acknowledging the people behind them.
Entrepreneurs are:
Innovators – They create solutions where none existed.
Leaders – They build teams and opportunities.
Connectors – They support local economies and communities.
Resilient Builders – They keep going when others would stop.
National Entrepreneurs Day is a chance to reflect on the journey, appreciate the challenges, and celebrate the wins—big or small.
Supporting Entrepreneurs Isn’t Optional
Small businesses need more than customers—they need strong systems, good banking relationships, smart financial strategies, and the right people around them.
That’s where consulting support becomes so important.
A strong partner helps entrepreneurs:
Navigate banking and lending
Improve operations
Build better financial clarity
Increase margins
Hire the right talent
Reduce the overwhelm
Entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to do it alone—and they shouldn’t think they have to.
2717 Consulting Celebrates You
At 2717 Consulting, we’re grateful to work with entrepreneurs every day—people who are shaping Oklahoma and building the future.
Our mission is simple:
Help entrepreneurs focus on growth by taking care of the work that slows them down.
Whether it’s banking relationships, loan packaging, operations improvement, or staffing support—we’re here to help you do what you do best: Build. Lead. Grow.
If you’re ready to strengthen your business and lighten the load, contact us today:
2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Developing Your Vertical: The Smartest Way to Improve Margins
In today’s competitive market, small and medium-sized businesses can’t always win by lowering prices. The real path to sustainable growth lies in developing your vertical—building depth in your existing market rather than constantly chasing new ones.
Vertical development means identifying opportunities within your current industry, strengthening your expertise, and expanding your service offering to capture more value. The result? Higher margins, stronger relationships, and scalable growth.
What Does “Developing Your Vertical” Mean?
Developing your vertical means growing within your existing industry or client base instead of spreading your resources too thin across multiple markets.
For example:
A construction company adding financing and project management services.
A staffing firm adding payroll and HR consulting.
A retailer launching an exclusive product line for a specific audience.
Each of these examples builds depth, not breadth—and that depth increases profitability.
Why It Improves Margins
1. Efficiency Through Familiarity
You already understand your industry, customers, and operational flow. Adding new services within that same space requires less time, training, and marketing to become profitable.
2. Increased Customer Value
When you can serve more of your clients’ needs, they spend more with you. This drives higher average transaction values and boosts lifetime customer value.
3. Reduced Competition
By going deeper into your niche, you differentiate your business from general competitors. Specialized services are harder to replicate—and clients will pay more for expertise.
4. Improved Resource Utilization
Vertical expansion allows you to leverage your existing systems, staff, and vendor relationships. You’re not starting from scratch—you’re optimizing what already works.
5. Stronger Market Position
Becoming the go-to provider within your niche builds brand authority and pricing power—both of which directly increase your margins.
How to Start Developing Your Vertical
Step 1: Identify Gaps in Your Current Offerings
Talk to clients. What problems are they still solving elsewhere that you could handle?
Step 2: Evaluate Profitability Potential
Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Focus on those with strong margins and low overlap with your current workload.
Step 3: Build Systems Before Scaling
Before launching, make sure your internal processes, staffing, and financial controls are ready for expansion.
Step 4: Market to Your Existing Audience
The easiest sales you’ll ever make are to people who already trust you. Position your new services as an evolution of your existing relationship.
Final Thought
Developing your vertical doesn’t just help you grow—it helps you grow smarter. Instead of chasing new markets, invest in doing more for the clients and industries you already know best. The result? Higher margins, greater efficiency, and lasting business stability.
At 2717 Consulting, we help business owners analyze their current operations, identify vertical opportunities, and build strategies to scale profitably.
Let’s strengthen your vertical: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
How to Recognize Pain Points in Your Business (and When to Call a Consultant)
Every business has pain points—those recurring problems that slow you down, drain resources, and keep you from growing the way you want. The challenge is that many owners are too close to the daily grind to clearly see the problems, let alone fix them.
That’s where a consultant can make all the difference. By bringing in a fresh perspective and proven strategies, consultants help identify the root causes of issues and create a roadmap for long-term success.
How to Recognize Pain Points in Your Business
1. Bottlenecks in Operations
Are certain tasks or departments always slowing things down? A bottleneck may be a sign of inefficient processes, unclear responsibilities, or outdated tools.
2. Financial Stress
Constantly worrying about cash flow, late payments, or difficulty securing loans? Financial strain is one of the clearest indicators of deeper business pain points.
3. Employee Burnout or Turnover
High turnover, constant recruiting, or stressed staff often point to underlying problems in operations, communication, or staffing strategy.
4. Missed Opportunities
If you’re losing deals, struggling to close financing, or falling behind competitors, it may signal gaps in planning, relationship management, or execution.
5. Lack of Time for Growth
If you’re always working in the business instead of on the business, it’s time to recognize that you may need outside support.
How Consultants Help Solve Pain Points
Consultants don’t just show up with quick fixes. They follow proven methods to identify and solve issues in a sustainable way.
Step 1: Discovery & Diagnosis
Through interviews, financial reviews, and process mapping, consultants uncover what’s really causing the issues—not just the surface symptoms.
Step 2: Strategic Analysis
Consultants use tools like SWOT analysis, financial modeling, and benchmarking to compare your business against industry standards and uncover gaps.
Step 3: Tailored Recommendations
Instead of one-size-fits-all solutions, a consultant develops action plans customized to your business’s needs—whether that’s improving banking relationships, refining operations, or strengthening staffing.
Step 4: Implementation Support
Great consultants don’t just hand you a report—they work alongside you to implement the solutions, track progress, and adjust as needed.
Step 5: Long-Term Partnership
Consultants can serve as an ongoing resource, helping you stay proactive and preventing future pain points from turning into major problems.
Final Thought
Recognizing pain points in your business is the first step. Deciding to bring in outside expertise is the game-changer. A consultant can save you time, reduce frustration, and help you focus on what matters most, growing your business.
At 2717 Consulting, we specialize in helping businesses identify their challenges, create practical solutions, and deliver measurable results.
Let’s talk about your pain points: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Why Strong Banking Relationships Are the Secret Weapon for Small Businesses
In business, your banker isn’t just someone who processes transactions—they’re a partner in your growth. Strong banking relationships with great banks and bankers can make the difference between getting approved for funding and missing opportunities, between weathering financial storms and struggling to survive.
When you invest in building these connections, you set your business up for long-term success.
Why Banking Relationships Matter
1. Faster Loan Approvals
Banks that know you and trust your business are far more likely to move quickly on loan applications. Strong banking relationships save time when you need funding most.
2. Better Loan Terms
Great bankers advocate for their clients. A trusted relationship can translate into lower interest rates, reduced fees, and favorable terms that save you money.
3. Guidance Beyond Banking
Experienced bankers understand industries and local economies. They can provide insights on trends, risks, and opportunities that help you make smarter business decisions.
4. Flexibility During Hard Times
When challenges arise—whether it’s cash flow issues, delayed receivables, or unexpected expenses—banks that trust you are more willing to work with you to find solutions.
5. Access to Expanded Services
From treasury management to digital tools, strong relationships open doors to services that can streamline your financial operations.
How to Build Strong Banking Relationships
Be Transparent: Share accurate financials and be upfront about challenges.
Stay Proactive: Don’t only call when you need something. Regular updates build trust.
Demonstrate Reliability: Meet deadlines, keep commitments, and manage your accounts responsibly.
Work With the Right Bank: Not all banks fit every business. Choose institutions that understand your industry and value small business clients.
The Takeaway
Strong banking relationships are more than a convenience—they’re a competitive advantage. They give you faster access to funding, better financial guidance, and stronger resilience in tough times.
At 2717 Consulting, we specialize in helping businesses build and maintain these critical relationships—so you spend less time chasing bankers and more time growing your business.
Ready to strengthen your banking strategy? Contact us at 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Business Lessons from Living in a Hotel
Sometimes life throws you curveballs… and sometimes it throws you into a hotel room for a week when renovations take a little (or a lot) longer than expected.
That’s been our reality lately. What was supposed to be a quick three-day project has turned into a full-blown “extended stay.” We’ve traded our kitchen for takeout menus, our living room for a lobby, and our office for whatever corner of the hotel has the strongest Wi-Fi.
And you know what? There’s some humor in it—because it feels a lot like running a small business.
Expect the Unexpected
Just like construction, business projects rarely go exactly as planned. Delays happen, challenges pop up, and the “simple fix” often takes longer than anyone expected. The key is learning to laugh a little and adapt a lot.
Flexibility is Everything
We’ve learned to make do with what’s available. Breakfast meetings at the lobby coffee bar? Sure. Conference calls while dodging the cleaning crew? Why not. Businesses thrive the same way—when you can stay flexible, you keep things moving even when conditions aren’t perfect.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Is it inconvenient? Yes. Is it temporary? Also yes. That perspective is powerful in business, too. Whether it’s a staffing challenge, a banking hiccup, or a supply chain delay, the frustration is real—but it’s not forever. Keep your focus on the long-term outcome.
Find the Humor
Sometimes the only thing to do is laugh. Running a business is stressful enough—if you can find humor in the chaos, you’ll not only survive, you’ll build resilience.
The Takeaway
Life (and business) won’t always go according to plan. But if you can adjust, stay productive, and keep your sense of humor, you’ll come out the other side stronger.
At 2717 Consulting, we help business owners do just that—stay focused, stay organized, and keep moving forward, even when things don’t go according to plan.
📩 Ready to stay on track, no matter what challenges come your way? Contact us: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Why Businesses and Job Seekers Win by Partnering With a Staffing Firm
Finding the right job—or the right employee—isn’t easy. Businesses struggle to fill roles with qualified candidates, while job seekers often face endless applications and little feedback. That’s where staffing firms step in.
By acting as the bridge between employers and talent, staffing firms create advantages for both businesses and individuals that are hard to match when working alone.
Advantages for Businesses
1. Faster Hiring
Staffing firms maintain a pool of pre-screened candidates, meaning open positions can be filled more quickly than through traditional job postings.
2. Access to Specialized Talent
Whether you need an accountant, administrative professional, or technical expert, staffing firms specialize in matching the right skills to your business needs.
3. Reduced Risk
Hiring mistakes are costly. Staffing firms help reduce risk by ensuring candidates are vetted for skills, cultural fit, and reliability before you make an offer.
4. Flexibility
From temporary placements to permanent hires, staffing firms give businesses the flexibility to scale their workforce up or down based on demand.
5. Time Savings
Instead of sifting through resumes and scheduling interviews, business owners and managers can focus on running their business while the staffing firm handles the legwork.
Advantages for Job Seekers
1. Access to Hidden Opportunities
Many companies don’t post all their openings publicly—staffing firms often get the inside track on roles you won’t find online.
2. Career Guidance
Staffing professionals can help refine your resume, prepare you for interviews, and even coach you on career paths in your industry.
3. Faster Placement
By connecting directly with employers, staffing firms can get your resume in front of decision-makers faster than applying through job boards.
4. Flexible Work Options
Want temporary work? Contract-to-hire? Permanent placement? Staffing firms can align opportunities with your goals.
5. Advocacy
You’re not just sending resumes into the void—you’ve got someone actively advocating for you with employers.
Final Thought
Whether you’re a business looking for reliable talent or an individual seeking the right career opportunity, partnering with a staffing firm gives you access to expertise, networks, and opportunities that you simply won’t get working alone.
At 2717 Consulting, we connect businesses with skilled accounting, finance, and office professionals, while helping job seekers find the right fit for their careers.
Looking to hire—or be hired? Contact us today: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Labor Day: A Reminder to Streamline Your Work and Reclaim Your Time
Labor Day is often seen as a well-earned break—a chance to fire up the grill, enjoy family, and reflect on the hard work that powers our businesses and our communities. But as a business owner, it’s also a powerful reminder: Are you working harder than you need to?
The Case for Streamlining Your Operations
The truth is, many small business owners wear too many hats. You’re not just the CEO—you’re the accountant, the scheduler, the customer service rep, and sometimes even the janitor. But here’s the hard truth: every extra hour you spend on low-value tasks is time stolen from growth, strategy, and sanity.
This Labor Day, ask yourself:
Is my workflow efficient?
Can I automate or delegate more?
What tasks are draining my time but not growing my business?
If you can’t answer these clearly, it’s time to streamline.
What Streamlining Really Means
Streamlining isn’t just about working faster—it’s about building systems that work even when you step away. It’s about simplifying, standardizing, and strengthening your operations so that your business serves you, not the other way around.
Here are 5 ways to streamline your business starting today:
Automate Repetitive Tasks:
Use tools like Calendly, QuickBooks, or Zapier to automate scheduling, invoicing, or document sharing.
Delegate with Intention:
Whether it’s hiring a VA, outsourcing your bookkeeping, or bringing in a staffing consultant ( we can help!), stop doing everything yourself.
Standardize Your Processes:
Create checklists and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for tasks you repeat. This saves time and makes delegation easier.
Use One Dashboard:
Centralize your operations. Tools like Notion, Trello, or Google Workspace can give you a birds-eye view of everything in motion.
Review and Cut the Waste:
Once a month, audit your time and spending. Identify tasks, subscriptions, or processes that no longer serve your goals.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
As you take time this Labor Day to relax and reflect, remember that the goal isn’t just to labor harder—it’s to build a business that can thrive even when you’re not in the room.
At 2717 Consulting, we specialize in streamlining operations and banking relationships so business owners like you can focus on growth. Whether it’s building a system, improving communication with your bank, or helping you scale without burning out—we’re here to help.
Enjoy your Labor Day. Then let’s make the rest of your year more efficient than ever.
Ready to streamline? Contact us today
Business Lines of Credit: What You Need to Know Before Applying
For many small business owners, a line of credit (LOC) is one of the most useful financing tools available. Unlike a term loan, which gives you a lump sum to repay over time, a line of credit works more like a safety net—you can borrow when you need it, repay, and borrow again.
But before you apply, it’s important to understand what banks look for, what collateral they’ll accept, what terms they’ll offer, and whether this option is the right fit for your business.
What Collateral Will Banks Accept for a Line of Credit?
Most banks require collateral to secure a line of credit, especially for small businesses without a long track record. Common forms of collateral include:
Accounts Receivable – Unpaid invoices from customers.
Inventory – Product or materials your business holds.
Real Estate – Commercial or personal property.
Equipment – Machinery, vehicles, or technology assets.
Personal Guarantees – In some cases, the bank will require the owner’s personal credit and assets to back the LOC.
The type and value of collateral depend on your business size, industry, and credit history.
What Terms Will Banks Give?
The structure of a business line of credit can vary, but here’s what most banks will consider:
Credit Limit: Often tied to collateral value, annual revenue, and cash flow.
Interest Rate: Variable, tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime rate plus a margin.
Repayment Terms: Typically interest-only monthly payments with principal due as borrowed funds are repaid.
Review Periods: Many banks review lines annually, requiring updated financials.
Covenants: May include maintaining a minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) or restrictions on additional borrowing.
Pros of a Business Line of Credit
Flexibility: Borrow only what you need, when you need it.
Cash Flow Support: Smooths out gaps between payables and receivables.
Emergency Fund: Acts as a financial cushion for unexpected expenses.
Builds Credit: Responsible use strengthens your business credit profile.
Cons of a Business Line of Credit
Variable Interest Rates: Payments can rise with market rate changes.
Collateral Requirements: You may need to pledge valuable assets or personal guarantees.
Annual Renewals: Ongoing paperwork and reviews can be time-consuming.
Discipline Required: Easy access to funds can tempt businesses into over-borrowing.
Final Thought
A line of credit can be one of the most valuable financial tools for your business—but only if managed wisely. By understanding what banks expect, preparing the right collateral, and weighing the pros and cons, you can decide if this option fits your business’s financial strategy.
At 2717 Consulting, we help small business owners prepare line of credit requests that get approved and ensure you’re negotiating terms that make sense for your situation.
📩Let’s talk: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Why Every Business Owner Needs a Clear Picture of Their Situation
When you walk into a bank or sit down with an investor, one thing matters above all else: do you have a clear picture of your business’s situation? Banks don’t just want numbers on a page—they want to know you understand your own company, your industry, and your future.
A business owner who can clearly present where they are, where they’re going, and how they’ll get there is far more likely to secure funding, negotiate better terms, and build stronger banking relationships. Let’s break down what that means in practice.
1. Industry Knowledge: Know the Playing Field
Your banker needs confidence that you understand your industry.
What trends are shaping your sector?
Who are your competitors?
Where is growth coming from?
Showing awareness of your industry outlook tells lenders that you’re not just reacting to today—you’re planning for tomorrow.
2. Your Company Financials: The Starting Point
A bankable business starts with organized financial statements. At a minimum, have these ready:
Balance Sheet
Income Statement
Cash Flow Statement
Tax Returns (last 2–3 years, if applicable)
Clarity in your financials shows lenders that you take your numbers seriously—and it makes it easier for them to trust your loan request.
3. 12-Month Projections: The Road Ahead
Lenders want to see your future, not just your past.
Create a 12-month projection that includes:
Revenue estimates (based on realistic assumptions)
Expenses and cost management plans
Cash flow expectations
Growth milestones
This not only reassures lenders but also gives you a roadmap for your own decision-making.
4. Current Struggles: Be Transparent
Every business has challenges. Maybe it’s rising costs, supply chain issues, or staffing shortages. Acknowledging your struggles shows credibility. More importantly, pair each challenge with a strategy for overcoming it.
5. Current Strong Points: Highlight Your Wins
Just as important as struggles are your strengths.
Loyal customer base?
Strong margins?
Skilled team?
Innovative product?
Highlighting what’s going right shows lenders you’re not just surviving—you’re building momentum.
Why This Matters
A clear, honest, and detailed picture of your business situation:
Builds banker confidence
Increases your odds of loan approval
Positions you for stronger, long-term banking relationships
At 2717 Consulting, we help business owners organize their financials, prepare projections, and present a professional, transparent picture to lenders. Because when you’re clear on your business, banks are clear on why they should back you.
📩 Ready to present your business with confidence? Contact us at 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
The Importance of Making Your Start-Up Bankable (and How to Do It)
Starting a business is exciting—but one of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face is proving they’re “bankable.” In other words, convincing lenders that your start-up is a safe bet. For many business owners, access to funding can make the difference between growth and struggle. That’s why making your business bankable should be a top priority.
Why Bankability Matters
When banks consider lending to a start-up, they’re looking at risk vs. return. Unlike established companies, start-ups don’t have years of financial history to lean on. This makes lenders more cautious. If you can demonstrate strong financial practices, clear plans, and credible management, you immediately set yourself apart as a business worth investing in.
A bankable start-up:
Has easier access to capital.
Receives better loan terms and rates.
Builds credibility with investors, partners, and vendors.
Positions itself for long-term success.
Tips for Making Your Start-Up Bankable
1. Build a Solid Business Plan
Banks want to see more than enthusiasm—they want a clear, detailed plan that proves your idea is viable. Include market research, financial projections, a marketing strategy, and a growth plan.
2. Keep Clean and Organized Financial Records
Even in your earliest stages, track every dollar. Use accounting software to stay on top of expenses, revenue, and cash flow. Sloppy financials are a red flag for lenders.
3. Strengthen Your Personal Credit
When your business doesn’t yet have its own credit history, banks will look at your personal credit. Pay down debts, make on-time payments, and avoid unnecessary credit inquiries to show you’re financially responsible.
4. Establish Business Credit Early
Open a business bank account, apply for a business credit card, and pay vendors on time. These small steps begin building a track record of reliability under your company’s name.
5. Show Skin in the Game
Banks are more confident lending to owners who’ve invested their own money. Even a modest personal investment shows you’re committed and willing to take risk alongside the lender.
6. Demonstrate Collateral or Guarantees
Collateral reduces a bank’s risk. Whether it’s equipment, property, or even personal assets, showing that you can back your loan with real value increases your chances of approval.
7. Surround Yourself With the Right Team
Banks look at people as much as they look at numbers. Having experienced advisors, consultants, or industry experts on your team shows that your start-up has the guidance needed to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Being “bankable” doesn’t happen overnight—but the earlier you start building financial discipline and credibility, the sooner banks will view you as a partner worth backing.
At 2717 Consulting, we specialize in helping start-ups and small businesses prepare to approach lenders with confidence. From structuring financials to strengthening your business plan, we’ll help you check every box banks are looking for.
📩 Ready to make your start-up bankable? Reach out today: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Why Transparency With Your Bank Is Extremely Important
In business banking, trust is currency. A bank that trusts you will work harder to support you—offering better terms, faster responses, and more flexibility when challenges arise. That trust is built on transparency.
Too many business owners treat their bankers like gatekeepers, revealing only what they think will help get a “yes.” The truth? Withholding key information can backfire quickly, damaging your credibility and your relationship.
1. Transparency Builds Trust
Banks are in the business of managing risk. When you’re upfront about your numbers, challenges, and goals, your banker knows they can rely on what you say. This makes them more comfortable advocating for you when it matters most.
Pro Tip: Share both good and bad news early—before they have to ask.
2. It Improves Your Chances of Approval
When you hide details about debt, cash flow issues, or major changes, it’s not just risky—it’s a deal killer. A banker blindsided by undisclosed information will almost always err on the side of “no.”
Pro Tip: Explain the situation and how you plan to address it. Showing a solution is more important than pretending there’s no problem.
3. It Strengthens Your Long-Term Relationship
Banks reward reliable, honest clients with better rates, higher credit limits, and priority attention. Over time, transparency helps you move from being “just another account” to being a valued partner.
Pro Tip: Treat your banker like part of your team—loop them in on plans, wins, and concerns.
4. It Opens the Door to Opportunities
When your banker knows your real situation, they can suggest products, services, and resources that fit your needs—often before you realize you need them.
Pro Tip: Share your growth goals and upcoming projects. Your bank may already have tools to help you get there faster.
Final Thought
Transparency isn’t just about honesty—it’s a business strategy.
The more your banker knows, the better they can position you for success.
At 2717 Consulting, we help our clients prepare the right information, present it professionally, and build lasting relationships with their banks.
📩 Work with a team that keeps you lender-ready: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
The Importance of Presenting a Clear and Detailed Loan Request
When you approach a bank for financing, your first impression often happens on paper—through your loan request package. A clear, detailed, and professional presentation can be the difference between an approval and a quick rejection.
Banks want to lend money, but they also want to be confident that their funds are being put into capable hands. The way you present your request tells them a lot about how you run your business.
1. Shows You’re Prepared and Professional
A well-prepared loan request signals to a lender that you’re organized, serious, and ready for a financial commitment. Sloppy or incomplete requests can raise red flags before a banker even looks at your numbers.
Tip: Include all required documents, double-check for accuracy, and format your information in a clean, professional way.
2. Builds Banker Confidence
When you clearly explain how much you need, why you need it, and how you’ll pay it back, you make it easier for a banker to say “yes.”
Tip: Break down the loan purpose into specific uses—equipment purchases, inventory expansion, marketing campaigns—so your banker can easily understand and justify the request to their credit team.
3. Speeds Up the Process
A detailed, complete package reduces the back-and-forth requests for more information. That means your banker can submit your request to underwriting faster and you get your answer sooner.
Tip: Include supporting documents like financial statements, tax returns, projections, and any collateral details upfront.
4. Improves Your Chances of Approval
Vague requests make it harder for a bank to feel comfortable lending. The more clarity you give, the fewer assumptions they have to make—and the more likely they are to feel confident in your ability to repay.
Tip: Provide realistic repayment terms and a repayment plan that matches your cash flow.
5. Helps You Negotiate Better Terms
When your request is detailed, you’re in a better position to negotiate interest rates, repayment schedules, and covenants. A vague request leaves you at the mercy of whatever terms the bank offers.
Tip: Know your numbers before you go in, and have a clear idea of what terms you want.
Final Thought
A loan request isn’t just paperwork—it’s your business case for why a bank should invest in you. The more clearly and completely you present your request, the more likely you are to get approved—and on terms that work for you.
At 2717 Consulting, we specialize in preparing loan packages that get noticed, move quickly, and position our clients for the best possible outcome.
📩 Ready to present a winning loan request? Contact us: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com
Understanding Your Balance Sheet: What Every Business Owner Should Know
It all begins with an idea.
For many small business owners, the balance sheet is one of the most misunderstood financial statements. But banks, investors, and consultants rely on it to assess your business’s stability and loan readiness.
Understanding your balance sheet is key to making smart financial decisions—and proving your creditworthiness.
What Is a Balance Sheet?
A balance sheet is a snapshot of your business’s financial position at a specific point in time. It shows what you own, what you owe, and what’s left over (your equity).
The formula is simple:
Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s Equity
What Are Assets?
Assets are everything your business owns that has value. This includes:
Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable (invoices you’re waiting to collect) Inventory Equipment and machinery Real estate Investments
Assets are typically divided into:
Current Assets – convertible to cash within a year
Fixed/Long-Term Assets – like real estate or heavy equipment
What Are Liabilities?
Liabilities are what your business owes. These include:
Accounts payable (bills you owe vendors) Credit card balances Loan balances Payroll liabilities Taxes owed
Like assets, liabilities are categorized as:
Current Liabilities – due within one year
Long-Term Liabilities – like a multi-year business loan
What Is Owner’s Equity?
Owner’s Equity (or Net Worth) is what’s left after liabilities are subtracted from assets. It reflects your stake in the business.
Formula:
Equity = Assets – Liabilities
A healthy, growing equity position means your business is building value.
Why Does It Matter to Banks?
Banks use your balance sheet to assess:
Liquidity – Can you pay your bills?
Leverage – How much debt are you carrying?
Net Worth – Is your business growing or losing value?
Collateral – Do you have assets to secure a loan?
Final Thought
Your balance sheet isn’t just a formality—it’s a vital financial tool. Whether you’re applying for a loan, bringing on investors, or just trying to grow strategically, knowing how to read and manage your balance sheet gives you an edge.
Need Help Making Sense of Your Financials?
At 2717 Consulting, we help business owners understand their numbers and present them confidently to banks.
Reach out today: 2717.consulting1@gmail.com