1. Define your financing needs
Clearly identify the purpose of the loan and the amount required to carry out your project.
2. Prepare your application
Gather the financial information, forecasts and documents that will allow you to present your project clearly and in a structured way.
3. Submit your application
Present your application to your bank, explaining your project, its objectives, and how it will be financed.
4. Analysis and decision
The bank analyzes the consistency of the project, the repayment capacity, and the financial information in the application.
5. Availability of funds
After approval, and subject to the signing of the contractual documentation and compliance with the applicable conditions, the funds may be made available.
"},"title":"Applying for a business loan generally involves several steps."},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What documents should you prepare for your application?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Preparing your file is an essential step when submitting your business loan application. Depending on your situation, it may be useful to prepare:
Depending on your status, additional documents may be requested.
As a self-employed individual
As a manager or director of your company
A few good practices:
A clear, complete and easy-to-understand application will facilitate the analysis of your request. To give your application the best possible chance, it may be useful to have your loan application analyzed by an accountant or another professional. They can help you check the consistency of your financial plan, assess the financial balance of your project and identify any points requiring attention before submitting your application.
Additionally, there are several support organisations for entrepreneurs that can provide advice and an external perspective on your project.
"},"title":"A strong and realistic application is one of your best assets when supporting your loan application."},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How is your loan application assessed?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The bank will assess the following:
The objective is to obtain an overall view of the project and its short- and long-term viability.
"},"title":"When analysing a business loan application, the bank seeks to understand not only the project itself, but also its viability in the short and long term. This is why several criteria may be taken into account."},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Which business loan is right for your needs?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Depending on your situation, different solutions may be considered:
Discover the business loan solutions tailored to your business activities.
"},"title":"Financing needs vary depending on the company and the project."},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What documents should you prepare for your application?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A strong loan application is on a structured business plan: presentation of the project, business strategy, financial forecasts and financing needs. Read our advice on how to prepare your business plan.
To give your application the best possible chance, it is advised to have your loan application checked and analyzed beforehand by a professional accountant. They will be able to suggest the most suitable solution. There are several support organisations for business owners that can provide you with advice and information. Together with you, they can carry out a preliminary assessment of the appropriate financial balance of your project and ensure that you will be able to repay the amounts requested. Keep in mind that there are many different solutions, whether your needs are short-, medium- or long-term.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"The 10 elements to include in your loan application"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Make sure your application is clear, complete and, above all, easy to read. Support your project with concrete, numerical arguments. Pay equal attention to both content and presentation.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Need financing for your project?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Together, we will find financing solutions tailored to your project.
"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"text":"Find your loan","url":"/en/business/financing/professional-credit"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Frequently asked questions"},{"accordionList":[{"richBody":{"value":"Define your financing needs, prepare your application (business plan, accounts and financial forecasts), submit your application and discuss it with your bank before a decision is made, and the funds are made available.
"},"title":"How do you apply for a business loan?"},{"richBody":{"value":"In general, it is useful to prepare a business plan or financial plan, annual accounts or operating accounts, cash-flow forecasts and information relating to your business. The documents requested may vary depending on the type of loan and your situation.
"},"title":"What documents are required for a business loan application?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Present a clear, realistic and consistent application. Explain your project precisely, demonstrate your repayment capacity, prepare several financial scenarios and ensure that your application reflects the actual needs of your business. A well-prepared financial plan is often an important asset. Build your project on solid foundations with our advice on how to prepare your financial plan.
"},"title":"How can you give your application the best possible chance when applying for a loan?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Self-employed people, liberal professionals, SMEs and companies may submit an application for a business loan. The assessment depends on the project presented and the individual circumstances of each business.
"},"title":"Can a self-employed person or small business apply for a business loan?"},{"richBody":{"value":"The interest rate depends on the type of loan, the term, the amount financed, any guarantees and the borrower's profile. To find out the applicable conditions, contact your adviser or consult the information on financing solutions.
"},"title":"What determines the interest rate of a business loan?"},{"richBody":{"value":"Early repayment depends on the type of loan and the applicable conditions. Consult the terms and conditions of your contract or contact your adviser for more information about your situation.
"},"title":"Can a business loan be repaid early?"},{"richBody":{"value":"ING offers various financing solutions tailored to the needs of self-employed people, liberal professionals and companies. Depending on your project, you may consider, among other things, an investment loan, a working capital facility, vehicle or equipment financing, or other business loan solutions. Discover ING's business loan solutions.
"},"title":"What types of business loans does ING offer?"}],"componentType":"accordion"}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"6991f931-f19d-494f-8bd3-6dcf1c4b822e","legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"These credits are reserved for private individuals or for legal entities and are for professional purposes. Your request is subject to acceptance by ING Belgium and mutual agreement. The general terms and conditions of ING credits are available at all ING branches and on www.ing.be.
"},"title":"Disclaimer"}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Financing","url":"/en/business/financing"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Would you like to apply for a business loan to finance a project, develop your business, or make an investment? This article explains how to prepare your application, which documents to gather, and how to give your application the best possible chance of being approved.\r\nAre you looking for a financing solution? Discover our business loan options tailored to your company's needs.","title":"How to apply for a business loan and prepare your application"},"date":"2026-10-19","readingTime":10},"publishDate":"2026-10-20T15:02:11.665+02:00"}}