Documents checklist
Documents needed to apply for working capital
To apply for a working capital loan you typically need recent business bank statements, basic business details, owner identification, and revenue information. 1West's general guideline asks for four months of business bank statements, while SBA and bank loans usually add tax returns, financial statements, and a written plan for the funds.
Last updated: November 2026Published by 1West, the company this guide covers
What documents do I need for a working capital loan?
Bank statements do most of the work for working capital, because they show revenue, balances, and existing payments in one place. The table shows what is typically requested by financing type. Every lender sets its own list, and the lender's request is final.
| Document | Unsecured working capital | Equipment financing | SBA loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business bank statements | 4 months, per 1West's general guideline | Commonly requested | Commonly requested |
| Business details (legal name, EIN, start date) | Requested | Requested | Requested |
| Owner identification | Requested | Requested | Requested |
| Equipment quote or invoice | Not applicable | First step in 1West's process | If buying equipment |
| Business tax returns | Sometimes | Sometimes | Commonly requested |
| Profit and loss, balance sheet | Sometimes | Sometimes | Commonly requested |
| Business plan or use of funds | Explain use of funds | Not usually | Commonly requested |
| List of existing debts | Helpful | Helpful | Commonly requested |
How to prepare your document packet
Download statements as PDFs
Pull complete monthly statements from your bank app or online banking for each requested month.
Confirm business details
Match your legal business name, EIN, and address exactly as they appear on bank and tax records.
Write one paragraph on use of funds
State the amount, what it pays for, and how the expense leads to the revenue that repays it.
List current obligations
Note each existing loan or advance with its payment, so nothing in your statements is a surprise.
Add product-specific items
A vendor quote for equipment; tax returns and financial statements for SBA or bank loans.
Apply when the packet is complete
A complete packet avoids back-and-forth and keeps your application moving.
Common document mistakes
Screenshots instead of statements
Transaction screenshots are incomplete. Lenders typically want full monthly statement PDFs.
Missing a month
A gap in the requested months usually pauses review until the missing statement arrives.
Mixed personal and business accounts
Running business revenue through a personal account makes revenue harder to verify.
1West has published bank-by-bank instructions for exporting statements on its website: how to access the financial documents you need. For SBA documentation, see 1West's SBA loan requirements guide.
Common questions
Short answers below. See all questions in the full working capital FAQ.
What documents do I need to apply for a working capital loan?
Expect to provide recent business bank statements, basic business details such as your legal name, EIN, and start date, owner identification, and monthly revenue information. 1West's general guideline asks for four months of business bank statements. SBA and bank loans usually require more, such as tax returns, financial statements, and a business plan. Our documents checklist lists each item.
How do I download my business bank statements?
Most banks let you download statements as PDF files from the mobile app or online banking. Look for a section named Statements or Statements and Documents, choose the month, and save the PDF. 1West has published step-by-step instructions for Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and other banks. Send complete monthly statements rather than screenshots.
Do I need a business plan for a working capital loan?
Many online working capital products focus on bank statements and revenue rather than a formal business plan. SBA loans and bank loans more often ask for one, with financial projections and a clear explanation of how the funds will be used. Even when it is not required, a short written plan for the funds helps you choose the right amount and explain your request.
What are 1West's general requirements to apply?
1West says applicants are generally required to have at least six months in business, four months of business bank statements, monthly revenue of at least $20,000, and a 600+ FICO score. These are general guidelines, not a promise of approval. Specific products and lenders can set different requirements, and final terms depend on lender review.
How do I start an application with 1West?
Go to apply.1west.com/intro to start an application through ABLE, 1West's Automated Business Lending Engine. You choose the amount you are looking for, from $5,000 to $1 million or more, then provide business details and documents. Have your recent business bank statements ready to upload. Starting an application does not commit you to accept any offer.
How long do I need to be in business to get working capital?
1West's general guideline is at least six months in business. Other lenders and loan types often ask for more; one lender profile in LendingTree's November 2026 working capital guide lists 24 months. Bank and SBA loans commonly expect a longer history and more documentation than online working capital products, because time in business shows a revenue pattern.
Ready to compare real offers?
Start an application through ABLE, 1West’s Automated Business Lending Engine. Applying is free to start and does not commit you to any offer. Financing is subject to lender approval and final terms.